Para
Para

Movie spotlight

Para

2008
Movie
91 min
Hungarian

Our hero, Lajos, a drunken ex-cop in his fifties, back from the jaws of death. His old friend Feri, who is always anxious and wrestling with bad premonitions; and his wife, Etus, who believes in both the omnipotence of love and the afterlife. And, of course, there's their close friend Tibi, in his twenties, who's obsessed with paranormal phenomena and conspiracy theories - especially since his parents were struck by a ball lightning bolt. The four-strong group of friends is bound together by a fascination with esotericism and spiritualism - they are joined by Etus's sister, the recently widowed Évike, who, thanks to Etus's domestic magic, is hopelessly in love with Lajos. Meanwhile, Lajos, who works as a security guard, is in deep trouble: he is granted a two-day reprieve by the underworld-connected art dealer Mr Faragó to settle his debt of millions.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Wolfgang BeckerGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A young man named Luc is diagnosed with a rare and incurable disease that causes progressive blindness. Determined to live his life to the fullest before losing his sight completely, he decides to travel the world. Along the way, he encounters a variety of people and experiences that challenge his perceptions and help him find meaning in his remaining time.

Critical Reception

Para received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While some praised its emotional depth and the performances of its cast, others found the pacing to be uneven and the narrative occasionally predictable. Audience reception was generally favorable, appreciating the film's poignant exploration of life and mortality.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sensitive portrayal of a man confronting his own mortality.

  • Noted for strong performances, particularly from the lead actor.

  • Criticized by some for a somewhat conventional narrative arc.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not readily available in a consolidated format. However, general sentiment indicates appreciation for the film's emotional impact and its exploration of life's uncertainties.

Fun Fact

The film's original screenplay was written by Wolfgang Becker and Anne Zohra Berrached.

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