Küldetés Evianba
Küldetés Evianba

Movie spotlight

Küldetés Evianba

1988
Movie
95 min
Hungarian

In the summer of 1938, a month after the annexation of Austria and a year before the outbreak of war, the world's diplomats gather for a Refugee Conference in Evian, Switzerland. Here the Nazis send the highly respected Professor Benda, whose task it is to convince the diplomats to buy the lives of half a million Jews from Germany for ten million dollars. But no one, not even the Jewish representatives, can be convinced that the truly diabolical deal - the Germans would use the money to arm themselves - is the only chance to save human lives... The author of the original piece, Hans Habe, himself attended the conference as a young journalist. In his novel, written a quarter of a century later, he explores the world's responsibility.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: György SzomjasGenres: Drama, Crime

Plot Summary

In post-WWII Hungary, a young man returns from the war to find his family's property confiscated and his life in disarray. He falls in with a criminal element and becomes entangled in a dangerous mission to transport illicit goods, leading him on a tumultuous journey through a changing society. The film explores themes of disillusionment, survival, and the search for identity in a politically charged landscape.

Critical Reception

Küldetés Evianba (Mission to Evian) is a lesser-known but critically appreciated Hungarian film that captures the post-war atmosphere of uncertainty and moral ambiguity. It's noted for its stark portrayal of societal shifts and the characters' struggles to adapt. While not widely distributed internationally, it holds a significant place in Hungarian cinema for its realistic depiction of a difficult historical period.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic portrayal of post-war Hungarian society.

  • Noted for its compelling performances, particularly from the lead actor.

  • Appreciated for its gritty realism and exploration of moral complexities.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film's title, 'Küldetés Evianba' (Mission to Evian), refers to a clandestine journey that becomes a central plot device, symbolizing the characters' desperate attempts to navigate a treacherous new reality.

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