The Train Leaves at Five to Seven

Elteva, an employee at the State Bank, begins to notice the economic damage caused by the operations of a district state enterprise headed by Martini, whose management is following an incorrect economic line. She finds herself at a crossroads, as the bank’s director is also a close associate of Martini. At one point, she asks herself why everyone seems to be against her. As if this were not enough, during this time a doctor suspects that she is pregnant. Elteva’s boyfriend, a football team coach, abandons her. Seeing the situation, Astrit takes the matter into his own hands to investigate the causes of the economic decline of the enterprise led by his colleague. He helps Elteva, with the assistance of a professor, to determine her diagnosis. Feeling guilty for the distress he caused her, her boyfriend Adi asks for her forgiveness. Now, she feels relieved of all the concerns that had been troubling her.

Directed by Spartak Pecani, The Train Leaves at Five to Seven leans on a strong ensemble — Eva Alikaj, Mimika Luca, Ndriçim Xhepa — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1988.