The unrequited love of an older man for a young (although adult) woman - as well as her need to, at least ostensibly, reciprocate this love in order to maintain financial security - is central to the plot of the film. There are a number of scenes in which he touches or otherwise pursues her in ways she is evidently uncomfortable with. She continues their relationship only due to fear of what might happen if she does not (as well as due to pressure from other characters). Near the end of the film (1:20:31-1:21:57), the man tries to rape her before being stopped by another character.