a compellingly told story of russian emigre who return to the ussr at stalin invitation after wwii . a they sail to odessa and the audience understand that they be make a very serious mistake . the story that ensue be about one couple struggle against the oppressive brutality of the soviet state . the story be personal of love and infidelity and friendship and loyalty . but the grim reality of stalin ussr lurks in every niche of the movie . how lucky we be that all that be go .