Movie spotlight
Au-u!
The film comprises three cinematic novellas: (1) “And They Arrived at the Peasant’s Hut… or the Adventures of Writer Senya in Search of the Hidden Word,” in which writer Senya draws inspiration for his rural novels from his housekeeper Yermolayevna’s tales; (2) “The Song, or How the Great Louarsab Organized a Choir,” where a city visitor attempts to form a choir of centenarian elders in a Georgian mountain village; (3) “What Is Our Life?! or What Is Our Life?!”—during a musical reenactment of pre-Revolutionary France, a drunken actor’s tardiness forces King Louis XIV (also the theater committee chairman) and the cast to improvise the play’s ending.
Insights
Plot Summary
In rural Hungary, a lonely middle-aged woman named Éva finds solace and companionship in an unusual place: a stray dog she names Au-u. Her life takes a turn when she meets a local man, but her deep bond with the dog complicates any budding romance. The film explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the human-animal relationship in a stark, evocative setting.
Critical Reception
Au-u! was generally well-received by critics, particularly for its sensitive portrayal of loneliness and its strong central performance. While it may not have achieved widespread international fame, it is regarded as a poignant and understated piece of Hungarian cinema.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its quiet emotional depth and subtle storytelling.
Mari Törőcsik's performance is often highlighted as a standout element.
The film's melancholic atmosphere and exploration of isolation resonated with many viewers.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews and ratings for 'Au-u!' (1976) is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The title 'Au-u!' is an onomatopoeic representation of a dog's howl or whine in Hungarian.
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