The Eighth Day of the Week 2006
"An elderly, recently widowed ballet primadonna is scammed out of her house but finds a new homeless love."
Judit Elek's 2006 drama-comedy The Eighth Day of the Week follows Hanna Szendroy, a once-legendary ballet star now widowed and forced out of her grand Budapest home by ruthless real-estate schemers.
Director: Judit Elek
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Eighth Day of the Week (2006) about?
After her husband's death, an aging ballet legend loses her home to unscrupulous developers and ends up homeless. Her unexpected friendship with squatters in her own house becomes an unlikely path back to dignity and love.
Who directed The Eighth Day of the Week?
The film was directed by Judit Elek, the celebrated Hungarian filmmaker known for blending social commentary with intimate character studies.
Who stars in The Eighth Day of the Week?
The cast is led by Judit Hernádi as Hanna Szendroy, with Maja Komorowska, Franciszek Pieczka, Sándor Gáspár, and Gyula Bodrogi rounding out the ensemble.
Is The Eighth Day of the Week (2006) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, the film earns praise for its heartfelt drama and comedic timing, offering a thoughtful look at aging, displacement, and human connection. Fans of character-driven European cinema will find it rewarding.
How long is The Eighth Day of the Week?
The Eighth Day of the Week runs for 100 minutes.
The Eighth Day of the Week (2006) — From ballet glory to Budapest streets in a poignant drama-comedy
Judit Elek's 2006 drama-comedy The Eighth Day of the Week follows Hanna Szendroy, a once-legendary ballet star now widowed and forced out of her grand Budapest home by ruthless real-estate schemers. Left with nothing but a suitcase and a station bench, she drifts into Keleti train terminal life until the mafia's homeless squatters suddenly turn unexpected allies. A tender bond forms when a kindred spirit enters her world, rekindling hope in the ruins of her former glamour.
Blending sharp social satire with touching humanity, the film contrasts the glittering past and the grim present through Hanna's unbreakable spirit. Judit Hernádi delivers a career-best performance as the proud, vulnerable prima donna, supported by a stellar ensemble including Maja Komorowska and Franciszek Pieczka. Gentle humor and poignant realism merge in this bittersweet tale of loss, resilience, and rediscovery.