Welcome, dear readers, to another edition of the Sunday Morning Movie. Today, we’re diving into a unique war narrative with Hószakadás. Also, before we jump into the film itself, I’d like to highlight the Bonus section. My YouTube recommendations have been fantastic lately, offering a mix of rare music, historical film footage, philosophical insights, art, animation, and intriguing curiosities. I encourage you to explore it—there’s something for everyone! And a big thank you to all my commenters; your contributions are truly valued! Now, let’s turn our attention to today’s film.
Next week, we look forward to Ítélet:
Reviews of Hószakadás:
Letterboxd states:
Directed by Ferenc Kósa, this 90-minute drama revolves around a Hungarian soldier who goes AWOL during World War II.
The film opens with an impactful sequence where the protagonist navigates through the disorienting chaos of war with minimal dialogue. Even the soldier tasked with pursuing him seems weary, recognizing the futility of their struggle. The grimness and eventual coldness of the Hungarian landscape serve to underscore the protagonist’s sense of displacement, while illustrating the inherent fatalism of his situation. The dynamic between the old Catholic woman, attempting to uphold a sense of moral grounding, and the protagonist, who adopts a more pragmatic worldview, adds depth to the narrative. The film eschews tidy resolutions, reflecting on the concept that the hunted—forced to become hunters in a war they loathe—will forever be pursued.
Another review highlighted:
“Try to understand, grandmother. The world is not as you perceive it. More weapons are produced today than loaves of bread. If you act faster than others, you might survive. If you internalize it all, it’s game over for you.”
This anti-war film provides a quiet but potent reflection on the bureaucracy that demands dehumanization, suggesting that the true penalty for refusing to commit atrocities is death—yet doing so would be an even graver sin. Thus, acceptance becomes the path of least resistance. The ability to think independently is portrayed as the ultimate act of rebellion; one cannot be a reflective thinker while fulfilling the role of a soldier.
My Perspective:
This film is a well-crafted and gripping exploration of the understated but grave realities that accompany war—showcasing partisans, deserters, displaced civilians, and isolated military units struggling to maintain order. While it offers some philosophical musings, including a brief discussion on the contrast between Christian love and justified violence, its primary focus is a stark portrayal of desperate individuals driven to extremes in times of conflict. I rate it ⭐; it certainly merits your attention.
Director:
Ferenc Kósa
Writers:
Sándor Csoóri, Ferenc Kósa
Plot (Spoilers!):
A young Hungarian soldier longs to return to his parents and grandmother as he faces deployment to the frontlines of a losing battle in World War II. Knowing his chances of survival are slim, he secures leave to reunite with his grandmother. His father has fled to the mountains to escape the war, while his mother is searching for him. Together with his grandmother, he ventures into the woods in hopes of finding his parents. Unfortunately, they are captured by the Hungarian army and taken to a military outpost, where he meets a jaded lieutenant who eventually sets him free. After reuniting with his grandmother, they continue their perilous journey.
As they climb the mountain, they finally locate his father. However, the lieutenant’s deceit puts them in danger as the army closes in. Tragedy strikes as his father is killed, and his grandmother is left to fend for herself in the wilderness while the young soldier escapes back to the deserted military base to confront the lieutenant.
Bonuses:
- Why AI Isn’t Going to Become Conscious | Anil Seth | TED
Neuroscientist Anil Seth discusses our tendency to ascribe consciousness to AI, comparing it to seeing faces in clouds. He addresses the crucial question: Will AI ever achieve consciousness?
- Baritone Double Polyphonic Ocarina
- The World’s First Self-propelled Military Vehicle
- Early Music Consort of London: The Burgundian Court of Philip the Good
- Christopher – 1970 US Holy Grail of Heavy Acid Rock, very rare $1400
Regarded as one of the rarest records in Heavy Psych Rock, this first pressing on the obscure USA label ‘Metromedia’ has fetched impressive prices at auction.
- WANG Hua-de – Shu (Sichuan) Qin Music. Tea Ceremony Music, Chinese Traditional, Tai Chi, Guqin
- Jimi Hendrix- ‘Superconcert ’70’ Deutschlandhalle, Berlin, Germany 9/4/70
- Jimi Hendrix & Love & Stephen Stills – jam
- Somnambulists – Directed by Mieczyslaw Waskowski 1958
Featuring notable Polish experimental films and animations.
- Camus vs. Sartre (Rare BBC Documentary)
This documentary explores the ideological rift between these two philosophers post-World War II, highlighting their friendship’s dissolution due to political differences.
- A Philosophical Look at System Dynamics
In this 1977 lecture at Dartmouth College, Donella Meadows challenges us to recognize our underlying assumptions as systems thinkers.
- The Full Russell-Copleston Debate on God (1948)
This audio recording features Bertrand Russell and Frederick Copleston debating the argument for God’s existence and morality.
- The Message Of The Tibetans – A film by Arnaud Desjardins (Full Film in English)
Arnaud Desjardins, with the support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, captured the essence of Tibetan teachings in this profound documentary.
- 1970 16mm Film – Omega experimental – Public Domain Footage
In conclusion, Hószakadás stands as a poignant reflection on the complexities of war, reminding us of the individual tragedies that unfold amidst larger conflicts. I hope you take the time to experience this film and engage with the bonus materials provided. Until next time, happy viewing!
