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If it weren't for its inclusion of a gratuitous sex scene, this movie would qualify as a simple religious tract about the power of faith. In the story, Costas and Maria are a man and wife who are the traveling proprietors of a shadow-puppet theater. Maria has been unable to speak for some time due to a brain tumor. They come into a village and stage their usual series of performances. At the same time, a number of very dramatic events begin happening. As a result of a clairvoyant vision by his aunt, a young man locates and sells an ancient icon which had been hidden by smugglers. Without speech, Maria still manages to confess to her husband that she had an affair with her doctor. This enrages him, and he runs out on her and seeks comfort in the arms of his younger female assistant. Other incidents lead the town priest to seek out a hermit-monk for advice on what is going on. When the monk comes into town to see for himself, he finds Maria attempting suicide and not only stops her but teaches her essential lessons in the art of prayer. While tragic events are not completely avoided in this faith-enhancing film, many things do turn out for the best.