Torn from the Flag: A Film by Klaudia Kovacs (2007) User Reviews

Excellent eye-opener!

[vanoffel · 10/10 · 26 November 2007]

Torn from the Flag is a true eye-opener on international policies. It gives you a very thorough understanding of the history surrounding the Cold War Era and the ideology of communism with touching and moving testimonies from several interesting interviewees. It shows us the unforeseen consequences of Western good intent and propaganda espousing democracy and freedom without the necessary follow-through - like our current situation in the Middle East. Director Klaudia Kovacs' courageous and exciting film examines these important matters through her young, compassionate, non-judgmental, brilliant eye. I highly recommend it to all viewers interested in international, social, and/or human-rights issues.

See this film

[lcoyote · 10/10 · 12 November 2007]

I know the story of the Hungarian Revolution all too well. My parents were Freedom Fighters who were both imprisoned for their efforts. Torn From the Flag explains the historical events succinctly yet emotionally. The footage that was shot by the young Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond puts the viewer right into the middle of the brave fight. The score by Chris Horvath propels the emotions of the story. This is a film that should be seen by not only those of Hungarian descent but anyone seeking to gain the knowledge of how a small nation was able to rise up against a much larger oppressor. The filmmakers should be very proud of their efforts.

a great piece for laymen and stakeholders alike

[reskat-1 · 10/10 · 23 November 2007]

I have just seen this movie and I want to see it again and again. If there is one fault with it, its the fact that Hules tried to squeeze too much into too little. Granted, he's got a lot to say, but I could just as well imagine this film as a mini-series. And that's because, like with a good book, you just want to read on and on. Ninety-some minutes are simply not enough. It leaves you hunger for more. That, I suppose is the intentional genius of writer-director Hules, who even, as far as I know, had the pleasure of editing 900 hours of footage into this piece. The miracle is that the movie is still coherent and understandable to everyone, even if you were born decades after the events, on a different continent. I recommend you see it, but I'm warning you that you'll actually need to pay very close attention all the way through! Bring your brain, and, as another reviewer suggested, also bring tissue.

Informational and inspirational documentary

[LjohnnormanL · 10/10 · 17 November 2007]

For anyone who doubts the evil barbarity of communism they should see Torn from the Flag, an excellent documentary that begins with the defeat of Nazi Fascism, the initial euphoria of Soviet "liberation", followed by the brutal oppression of the Hungarian people which led to the primary focus of the film the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. The film uses "never- before-seen-in-the west" footage filmed during the 1956 revolution by award winning cinematographers Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond. From my knowledge and reading of history, the documentary is historically correct and the writers took great pains to interview a wide spectrum of diplomats, freedom fighters, Russian and Hungarian soldiers, members of the police and AVO. They weave the testimonies, the actual footage and archival material into an accurate portrayal of history. The documentary runs for 91 minutes and is scored with 80 minutes of music. I highly recommend it to all.

A masterly account of a crucial episode in the Cold War

[pczipott · 9/10 · 11 November 2007]

The Hungarian uprising of 1956 was the first time a people spontaneously overthrew a Communist government and successfully attained freedom -- even if only for a dozen days. The complex tale of how it came to be, and what contributed both to its success and to the all too short-lived duration of that success, combines a host of factors ranging from cynical geopolitical calculation to the individual initiatives of private citizens who discovered that they were not, after all, lacking in power. "Torn from the Flag" makes the myriad strands of the story clear -- even to someone unfamiliar with the history -- in its 97 minutes: and that, by itself, makes it an astonishing achievement.

It is, however, a great deal more. It presents a remarkably balanced account of a subject that still excites visceral passions more than half a century after the event. It offers moments of intense (and intensely moving) human connection, as participants relive their political, moral, spiritual, and physical journeys. And, in reels shot during the revolution by two film students -- Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond -- it also offers instants of heart-stoppingly beautiful cinema, even when the images are of conflict, destruction, and death. The editing (reducing more than 90 hours of footage to under 100 minutes, still making it all comprehensible), the music (original scoring complementing a brilliantly chosen array of sources -- not least, using perfectly selected passages from Shostakovich's 11th symphony to complement martial scenes), and, above all, the people who gave of their time and their selves to be interviewed, make this a film to contemplate long, long after the house lights come up.

Nobody should think that this film merely rehashes an old tale of no current relevance: the people of Myanmar and Pakistan (to name just two examples) today face situations similar in many respects to that of Hungary 51 years ago.

Kudos to the indefatigable Klaudia Kovacs and her team for surmounting the odds in a nine-year struggle to complete this effort. The result is eminently worth it.

A truly remarkable production of a documented history lesson ...

[eloedl · 10/10 · 23 November 2007]

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.

This is a must see documentary.

[kathynagy · 10/10 · 21 May 2008]

Torn from the Flag - How can I convey in words the emotion I felt and the education I received watching this documentary and do it justice?

This documentary film shows the dramatic events which led to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and consequently the collapse of the USSR Communist state decades later. The producers interviewed several actual Freedom Fighters and other participants with various points of view, so Torn from the Flag is not a mere repetition of the same news stories of the Hungarian Revolution we have heard many times before. In fact, in 90 minutes, the audience is shocked, brought to tears, witnesses the bloody struggle and the apparent short-lived victory which was achieved by the Freedom Fighters. Days later, the Hungarians' joy of freedom and hope for independence was brutally crushed by a merciless, overbearing dictatorial superpower, which was followed by severe retribution by the new communist government. Desperation replaced hope in Hungary, and the world stood by and did nothing. Why did the free world allow this suppression of liberty?

This story must be told and kept alive so that current generations better understand what occurred and future generations do not forget this struggle for freedom.

Thank you, Ms.Kovacs and company for this valiant production!

A "must see"

[caroltcontes · 10/10 · 17 November 2007]

This film lends perspective to anyone who is too young to know about the events that led to the Soviet domination of Eastern Europe at the end of WWII. Klaudia Kovacs has combined actual footage of the days of revolution (amazing that it was taken) that is really extraordinary. People tell their own stories about a cause that most of us don't know about and make you wonder if you would have half the courage that the Hungarians had to face a military machine. This movie is so well done. Courage, honor and politics collide in a wonderful film. Bring tissue. Stories of sacrifice, torture and loss are real, but you leave this film with gratitude for freedom and inspiration, too.

"Torn from the Flag" gives a rare insight to a unique historic event.

[jcdolinsky · 10/10 · 30 November 2007]

The "Torn from the Flag" documentary film - by Klaudia Kovacs - of the 1956 revolution in Hungary stands out by its absolute credibility and how it captivates the interest from the beginning to the end. As a true documentary, even though it presents facts by showing original footings of film reports and makes surviving participants speak - it does not draw conclusions. The viewer does that so much stronger. And the unavoidable conclusion is that communism is not the paradise for the working class, but the hell; that the soviet domination gained no friends, only enemies and some collaborators who tried to get out; that nobody was fighting for the system: there are no elements of a civil war in that uprising, it was only Hungarians against the soviet military; that the young generation raised by communist indoctrination turned out to be the most ferocious enemy of the system and became the backbone of the revolution. The demand was not for material gains but for freedom and democracy, not as a result of any outside influence but out of healthy, human instinct, the awakening of the soul. We also saw that the revolution was not planned, prepared and organized, it was completely spontaneous, actually unexpected and surprising at that time. Because it would have been badly timed, coinciding with the American presidential elections and the Suez Canal crisis. The West did not aid it, to the contrary: it was abandoned. I was lucky to see this film at its premiere as part of the AFI Fest. Everybody else should see it. The Hungarian 1956 event was the beginning of the collapse of the world communism and a proof that no system, based on lies, can survive too long.

Torn from the Flag - A moving look at Hungarian Freedom Fighters

[MelodyMooney · 10/10 · 15 November 2007]

Torn from the Flag is an excellent film. I admittedly didn't know enough about the Hungarian uprising of 1956 and found myself engrossed by the story and moved by the accounts of the surviving Freedom Fighters. I was impressed to learn that over 90 hours of footage was shot and that some of the footage was taken at great risk by Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond during the rising it's self. I am equally impressed by the tenacity and courage of the Director Klaudia Kovacs and the Producer George Adams. Their commitment to tell this important story honors the men and women of Hungary who's courage demands the worlds respect and remembrance.

This Documentary needs to be seen by a world wide audience and should be considered by the Academy for an award.

Fantastic Film on an Unerreported Important Rebellion

[markcronan · 10/10 · 11 November 2007]

Torn From the Flag is a superb documentary on the fight for Freedom in Hungary since World War II. With stunning never-before-seen footage shot during the 1956 rebellion to the fall of the Soviet Empire, Torn From the Flag opens a window into one of the most key, and least reported, events that lead to the end of the cold war.

If you're worried that this will be an overly serious, depressing topic, put your concerns to rest. With a deft eye for detail and fascinating storytelling, the filmmakers offer a compelling narrative that covers all aspects of this human drama: from comedy to tragedy, love and loss, and transformations from oppression to free thinking people with a new appreciation for life. Torn from the Flag is, in the end, an uplifting tale of hope.

With lessons highly relevant to modern fights for freedom and Democracy in places like Pakistan and Iran, and for the preciousness of our own freedom and quality of life, I strongly encourage everyone to see this film. Seek it out, and ask your local theater to carry it. You won't regret it.

Courageous and Inspiring

[sedobay · 17 November 2007]

Dear Klaudia,

My husband, my son, and I all have the same opinion regarding your TORN FROM THE FLAG documentary film. It gives a very truthful and artistic reflection of the 1956 Revolution.It does not take any side of the parties involved and does not exaggerate the different situations. It looks at things with objectivity and shows the causes of the revolution, the ensuing suppression, and the eventual victory in the long run. To make this film, which was an enormous task considering all the obstacles, took a lot of courage on your part, but you made it a success. For all of us who lived through the brutality of the dictatorial regime and then the Revolution, the film gives back the sad and the short-lived happy memories of that time. For today's generation the film gives a chance and warning to love and protect freedom and democracy. We wish that with your talent you have the opportunity do many many more good and valuable projects.

Susan Dobay

Good documentary on important subject

[bklyn-boylan · 7/10 · 27 May 2008]

The subject (Hungarian Uprising of 1956), which has been unjustly neglected, is well worth filming and I learned things I hadn't known before or had forgotten. The movie itself is obviously the director's first feature, and as such it has both the flaws of a first feature and the promise of a director who has the main principle right: find a good story, especially one that has not been filmed before. One problem is that there is too much time devoted to talking heads, which got a bit boring, at least for me. The director might have used more of the talk (reminiscences and analysis) as voice-overs while showing archival footage, much of which is excellent. That could have tightened the film, which needed greater variety of pace and a sense of build-up. That said, I'm glad I saw it and I recommend it. It's good and worth seeing, but don't expect a masterpiece. Some of the comments about it are from the heart and draw on personal memories and more intimate (family?) knowledge of the events. I can't and don't argue with that, for this is valid. I write as someone not of Hungarian descent who is interested in the subject and in films. I wanted to like it more than I actually did, though I did.

An unbiased account of the events that caused the Hungarian Revolution and the impact it made on the world.

[jckalberer · 10/10 · 18 November 2007]

From the fascinating historical approach, using heretofore non-public original footage films, interviews with actual participants in the Revolution, public figures who were involved in the decisions which brought about the Revolution to the storyline which brought the modern day viewer into a 50 year time warp, this documentary kept my attention and brought forth tears of empathy with the parties involved. This film should be a "must see" for students and politicians as well as the general public. It depicts so many areas in which our modern decisions are repeating the errors of the past without the film taking a political position. It was refreshing to learn that although it took 33 more years for freedom to reign, the dedication to freedom set in motion by the Hungarian Freedom Fighters brought about a call for freedom from dictatorships throughout Europe. I highly recommend this film.

A magnificent work on the human struggle for freedom

[PeterHoffman-1 · 10/10 · 27 November 2007]

To be honest, I did not know what to expect as I sat down in my seat. What was to follow was a film that tore at the roots of my emotions. I saw people,naively brave, fighting for what we, as Americans, enjoy on a daily basis - our freedom. We can only understand what we have, the freedom from oppression and the freedom to live a life in pursuit of happiness for our family and ourselves after we see this film.

I don't recall any other film I have ever seen that is as raw, powerful and honest. I felt as if I living the events of the Hungarian revolution.

Seeing this film put history in perspective for me. I absolutely agree with the filmmakers that the events of 1956 led to the the tearing down of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Soviet Union empire. Lastly, as in "Rocky" at the end of the movie I wanted to stand up and cheer for the underdog, in this case the "freedom fighters. The whole audience applauded loudly. The difference between the films is that this was was a reel of reality.

I highly recommend this film for everyone,in every country. You will never forget this viewing experience, I promise you.

Peter Hoffman

Torn From The Flag

[keanufilm-1 · 9/10 · 26 November 2007]

After seeing the film, these are the initial words that came to my mind: FAIR, BALANCED AND EXTREMELY PROFESSIONALLY DONE! It is very hard not to be biased about this subject matter especially when almost all involved making this film are or were affected by that era. I am not just referring to the Freedom Fighters in 1956; I am also talking about those who were raised under Communism. One might think that this film could present an excellent opportunity for venting, for hatred and everything that comes with that point of view; however the film avoids it by all means. It shows both sides and gives a great historical recap of events before, during and after 1956. The film would stand in history and could be shown to future generations, as it is without bias or distortion about what happened. For that, the filmmakers should be proud of themselves. The film's style may give you the feel of a History Channel program. I think that might be the case because of the outstanding production value and excellent professional work that we see on those TV programs. Today's documentary style is predominantly personal stories, sometimes shot with a skeleton crew and shaky camera. Because this film's professional look, one might think of television. Make no mistake, this is a feature documentary that would stand in competition with others in film festivals and would have a great chance to rise above them. The technical aspect: I would pay attention to the fantastic sound editing! Also, the cinematographer's choice of showing the participants' faces in shadow is actually a fantastic choice. It makes it look interesting, because we listen to their voice more so than watching the face that tells us the story or comments. The use of music is almost an extra character in the film; the choices are superb. Overall, I liked the film. As a Hungarian, I imagine it likely speaks to me more than it might to a non- Hungarian. However, non-Hungarian can use these historical events as a comparison to current events. The documentary films we see nowadays, such as Michael Moore's Roger and Me or Morgan Spurlock's Super Size Me, started a trend: take on gigantic corporations and fight them like Don Quixote. This film shows and states that this small country, Hungary, was able to fight a giant like the Soviet Union…and fought it by itself, without any help. If the audience takes away from this film nothing else but this message of courage, it is worthwhile.

A phenomenal endeavor in docudrama!

[gwulff1 · 10/10 · 22 May 2008]

An education to say the least and first hand from the people that experienced it . Interesting perspectives from both sides of view and a unique social commentary on the horrors and idiocy of war. Relevant historically , socially and an interesting view of the mistakes we tend to repeat as human beings . Especially relevant to our modern day plights of senseless war and an unexpected eye-opener . An especially touching side of first hand encounters during the chaos of a war. Revealing history that has been covered up for years due to the scars and embarrassment it caused. A sobering commentary on the inside decisions made during a time of stress . I think everyone should see this before they vote!

Inspiring, human and relevant

[yudit-3 · 10/10 · 26 November 2007]

Torn from the Flag is a very good, dynamic, emotional film about freedom. In 1956, Hungary, a tiny nation of only 10 million people rose against tyranny and with the Hungarian army's help won against the Soviet army who had been "temporarily" in Hungary since WWII. The Hungarians were free for 13 days. Even though the revolt was then militarily defeated, the spirit of freedom never died. Hungary's revolt influenced other nations to stand up against the communist system. Multi-talented filmmaker (Producer, Director, Writer) Klaudia Kovacs dreamt the story and carried through her dream. Hungarian history is a living testimony: only temporarily can you keep a nation under terror. Today, as we know very well, many nations need to have their flag "torn." Instead of vengeance, love, understanding and humanism need to come!

An important film on a pivotal chapter of the European history!

[inkboyt · 9/10 · 27 November 2007]

Kladia Kovacs' documentary is a testament to those who fought for the principles of freedom from tyranny. That is why this film is so relevant and poignant today. The lessons learned by revolutions are often painful but necessary ones, and that is what is conveyed in "Torn from the Flag". What I enjoyed about this film were the interviews with both the veterans of the revolution and those working for the Soviet side. These interviews are inter-cut with images and footages of the actual events making for a nicely balanced and well edited piece of film making: objective yet personal.

The 1956 Hungarian revolution may not be discussed much in American history classes and schools, but if anything the event played a pivotal role in changing the course of the history of a nation, its people and some may say a continent. And this is what the documentary so deftly portrays. Kudos!

Endre Hules is a genius.

[stanridgway-1 · 10/10 · 14 November 2007]

Endre Hules is truly an intellectual. His objective portrayal of a moment in history that has been glossed over till now was a stroke of genius. His decision to not condemn, but to show all participants as human and flawed is a sign of great and subtle film-making. He is an emerging talent. History is always written by the victors but if there are no victors, who really tells the story? In reality we are all doing what we think we must at the time. As Endre says "we could not find any villains". As Althusser writes,

"what thus seems to take place outside ideology (to be precise, in the street), in reality takes place in ideology [....] That is why those who are in ideology believe themselves by definition outside ideology: one of the effects of ideology is the practical denigration of the ideological character of ideology by ideology: ideology never says, "I am ideological."

Best historical depiction about the horrors of Communism

[ladybug514 · 10/10 · 26 August 2008]

This film was historically correct and gave a grave picture about Hungary under Communism. It helped me better understand the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. The film footage gathered was very appropriate to the dialog. I am a daughter of a Freedom Fighter and am a refugee. I was too young to fully understand the events at the time. The story was easy to follow and made the history lesson very interesting. I can now better understand my parents, whose lives were scarred by these events. TORN FROM THE FLAG was very touching. This feeling was shared by the countless teary eyed viewers I noticed in the theater. Thank you for such an unforgettable film.

A must see film. Very moving!

[gkrajeck · 10/10 · 26 August 2008]

Hi Klaudia, Al took me to see your film this weekend. What an amazing accomplishment! It was beautifully filmed, it has great editing, and wonderful interviews. I don't know how you found all the vintage footage but it was put together really well and told the story from so many different perspectives it made it easier to understand how people were perceiving the various events as they took place. Thank you for making such a powerful document of an important time. It certainly throws a glaring light on how history continues to repeat itself and how we must never become complacent with our politicians.

I vote you get the Oscar! Warm regards, Geralynn Krajeck

Enlightening, educational, and moving

[violetta-6 · 10/10 · 9 September 2008]

As an adult who was born in Hungary months before the Revolution, I have lived my entire life hearing stories from my parents about their journey from Hungary to Austria during the winter of 1956. In fact, I recently revisited the location of the military camp that housed the refugees in Steyr, Austria. This journey was something I had longed to do and to share with my mother. The wait for a film like this was worth it. It stirs emotions for those who were there, but even those who only viewed it from a distance. Kudos to the producer, director, and all involved in the production. Making a film like this requires dedication, passion, and commitment of time. I highly recommend this film to anyone who appreciates good documentary film making and wishes to become more educated about the politics of that time. I know that my education in American schools did not include much, if any, discussion about the Revolt of 1956. It is an important part of world history and students everywhere would benefit from seeing it. It is a moving visual experience and the participants in the film are genuine, interesting and have stories worthy of everyone's attention.

Expression of appreciation to Ms. Kovacs

[aronoffpa · 10/10 · 16 September 2008]

An impressive historical lesson on the bravery and tenacity of the Magyar people. Little known details to the Western world became very real and important to my understanding of the 1956 anti-Comminist rebellion. Thanks to Ms. Kovacs for what is obviously a successful opus of love.

The visuals of the destruction and mayhem perpetrated by the Communists is the proof to the acolytes of the Soviet Union and those who never understood the moral differences between the Soviet Union and the US. The refugees from 1956 who have made free lives in this country testify which side was right and which was wrong during the Cold War.

Phillip Aronoff Houston, Texas

A moving and informative documentary!

[delia-rudiger · 10/10 · 21 September 2008]

"Torn from the Flag" is one of the best documentaries we've ever seen. It is beautifully composed, and the history of the Hungarian revolution is compelling both for Hungary itself and for the world. We in the U.S. may think we know the complexities of the pre-revolution situation in Hungary but we don't (most of us, anyway). The film creates intense viewer involvement with testimonies from various participants, not all of whom agree on the causes and solutions to the problems that Hungary faced. The film is never slow; the drama of the situation and the beautifully-composed visuals produce intense viewer involvement. We hope that this documentary will be more-widely shown, both because it is a great experience in itself and because it can teach us much about current international crises. A really masterful achievement!