Part documentary, part drama, Ciulei’s The Flower Bridge is a moving and enlightening portrait of a nation dealing with a rash of fracturing families that have nothing to do with divorce or death. In Moldavia, over half the labor force has left the tiny country to find work. Costica, father of three, is part of one such family. At home in the village of Acui with his children while his wife works in Italy, Costica does his best to make a happy home for his family under the circumstances. By also allowing the so-called characters to interpret themselves, we are shown lives that are at once filled with humor, hardship, and unfettered affection. The poignancy of receiving letters and gifts from a mother separated by need complements that of father of children diligently working on the farm.