Klaudia Kovacs, an enterprising young woman from Hungary creates a well balanced documentary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.
Although born years after the portrayed history-changing events took place, Klaudia was successful in presenting this lesson in history not only against the Hungarian background and other events throughout the world but also in the time line between 1946 and 1989.
In order to gather her information and facts for said documentary, she interviewed numerous participants of the revolution in Hungary as well as movers and shakers of international history. We hear not only from freedom-fighters, biographers of Russian and US world leaders, Russian political figures, Henry Kissinger and others presenting their take on those memorable days.
The documentary is fast paced, no unnecessary fluff. English subtitles, when and wherever necessary, are excellent. For those in the audience who's only language is English it is smooth sailing, even though there is some Hungarian, Italian and Russian. The film keeps you riveted to your seat from its beginning to its end.
Fifty years after the uprising of a ten-million nation against a heavily armored two-hundred million superpower and a gap of almost two generations Ms. Kovacs succeeded in writing / producing this unique film, with a special perspective which is lauded by former freedom-fighters. We could not have portrayed it better.
In comparing this film to others on the same subject, the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, I have concluded that it can not be compared. It is so different. I feel also, as far as violence is concerned, that there is far less shown in this film then in the news-reports coming from present day Iraq.
This is a film that should be seen and studied by young and old alike, by all those searching for democracy, and by those who fear the loss of democracy.
I have published on the Internet a full critical review of this movie in English as well as in Hungarian. If interested, you may contact me via e-mail.
