IN 1987, Hungarian novelist Magda Szabo published a novel about the relationship between a novelist and her housekeeper.

In 2009 director Istvan Szabo (no relation) made this film adaptation of that novel. It’s no blockbuster offering mindless escapism for the milling throng. But for intelligent observers of the human condition, the wait is worthwhile.

In the early ‘60s, Magda (Martina Gedeck) and Tibor (Karoly Eperjes) have moved to a new apartment in a Budapest suburb so she can write her novel.

Across the road, a middle-aged woman sweeps the dead leaves from the footpath. Magda asks her if she might come and clean their apartment. So begins an ongoing, sometimes frustrating, always rewarding for the film goer, relationship between two strong women of different outlook.

The sweeper is Emerenc, who lives alone and does not socialise beyond the courtyard of her apartment block. Her neighbours have never seen inside her flat. Her stocky body clad in drab clothing proclaims a woman who has survived Nazi and Communist regimes by force of will. Her family history has toughened her spirit. She accepts friendships on her terms alone.

Helen Mirren’s portrayal of Emerenc offers a wonderful theatrical experience. Emerenc has suppressed inner compassion for reasons that slowly emerge as the story unfolds. The hardships of her life since childhood have shaped her view of humanity. For her, life’s purpose offers few consolations. And friendship is an emotion to be dispensed with caution.

The film is in English so a dislike for subtitles is no ground for avoiding it. It deserves to be seen.

At Greater Union