Welcome to another edition of the Sunday Morning Movie! Today, we will be discussing a particularly intense film that may not be for the faint-hearted: Ítélet.
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<p><a href="https://rarefilmm.com/2025/11/itelet-1970/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ítélet (1970)</a></p>
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<p>Next week, we will delve into <em>Cwal</em>:</p>
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<p><a href="https://rarefilmm.com/2025/11/cwal-1996/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cwal (1996)</a></p>
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<p><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" title="“Cwal (1996)” — rarefilmm | The Cave of Forgotten Films" src="https://rarefilmm.com/2025/11/cwal-1996/embed/#?secret=MLWqbjab5n#?secret=gXqYKhG7c0" data-secret="gXqYKhG7c0" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<p>According to <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/judgement-1970/watch/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Letterboxd</a>:</p>
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<p>The work of Kosa Ferenc is more akin to a visceral scream than a sweeping historical epic. While it may lack the breadth and precision of films like <em>Ten Thousand Days</em>, it encapsulates the profound pain and despair evident in the twilight of Thaw-era Europe. There’s no hint of redemption or a hopeful dawn.</p>
<p>Stylistically reminiscent of <em>Libahunt</em>, <em>Marketa Lazarova</em>, and <em>Nunta de Piatra</em>, this film finds itself at the crossroads of various European gothic epics, Ukrainian poetic cinema, and Hungarian questions of morality and duty. It echoes Bresson’s <em>Procès de Jeanne d’Arc</em>, a filmmaker who greatly influenced Hungarian cinema, ultimately drawing us closer to the works of Tarr Béla.</p>
<p>The narrative unfolds as a series of vignettes centered on the trials of a man living against the test of time: Dozsa György, a leader of a peasant uprising facing grim outcomes. Each segment resembles a legend or folktale rather than traditional cinematic storytelling. Visuals depict peasant soldiers, marked with crosses on their chests, and enslaved loggers fleeing captivity through dense forests, while bare women till the earth to shield the army from the spread of plague.</p>
<p>The moral landscape in Hungary during this period is bleak. Despite leading his army, Dozsa remains largely powerless amidst the chaos of a human wave—his soldiers embodying disorder and desperation.</p>
<p>The film raises poignant questions: Should he align with the church against the Turks, or rise against the nobles exploiting the weak? Is he justified in executing those who rob the impoverished to sustain themselves? Should he forsake his principles to protect his nation? Is living in shame preferable to dying with dignity?</p>
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<p>Moreover,</p>
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<p>Kósa masterfully brings to life a historically complex revolutionary period. By the time the story begins, the movement has already faltered, leaving Dózsa to consider his legacy. The film explores the life of a man destined to become a symbol, navigating his disconnection from personal emotions while understanding his place in history. Does every revolutionary feel like a mere pawn? Kósa gives us a warmer perspective by highlighting human suffering alongside the complexities of rebellion, depicting the reality that movements must address to maintain their humanity. The heart-wrenching conclusion serves as a stark reminder of the human toll associated with the symbols of freedom forged from suffering.</p>
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<p>As highlighted by <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gyorgy-Dozsa" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Britannica</a>:</p>
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<p>György Dózsa (born 1470—died July 20, 1514) was a nobleman and military leader of the Hungarian Dózsa Rebellion of 1514. Renowned for his valor in battles against the Turks, he was later appointed to lead a new crusade against the Muslims. This initiative led to thousands of peasants joining him, yet when provisions ran low, they began to voice their grievances against their landlords. When harvest time arrived and the peasants refused to work, armed retainers were dispatched against them. Under Dózsa's command, this conflict escalated into a ruthless war against the nobility, culminating in a revolution that led to the deaths of many nobles and the destruction of their estates. Eventually, the rebel forces, bolstered by feudal supporters and hired mercenaries, were quelled by the government. Dózsa was captured and met a tragic fate.</p>
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<p>My perspective:</p>
<p>Watching this film was a challenging experience. It is profoundly somber, and many scenes, though not explicitly graphic, are difficult to witness. The plight of the losing side in a peasant uprising is vividly depicted. The cinematography draws comparisons to Tarkovsky, making it a remarkable historical drama that transports viewers to sixteenth-century Hungary. It’s certainly worth a watch with a solid ⭐ rating.</p>
<p><strong>Director:</strong> Ferenc Kósa</p>
<p><strong>Writers:</strong> Sándor Csoóri, Ferenc Kósa</p>
<p><strong>Plot (Spoilers!):</strong></p>
<p>Set in sixteenth-century Hungary, the peasantry is experiencing dire hardship under oppressive landlords, leading to an impending revolution.</p>
<p>György Dózsa emerges as their resolute leader, initially guiding his forces to notable victories, instilling fear among the ruling class.</p>
<p>However, the tides turn, and the rebels are ultimately captured. Dózsa faces gruesome execution on a burning iron throne, adorned with a molten crown. His brother is executed, and his followers endure brutal punishment as the revolution falters.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p><strong>Bonuses:</strong></p>
<p><strong>A Professional Longsword Fight:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E25-Fw8WlT4"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Anita Berber – Dancer of the 1920s Weimar Republic:</strong></p>
<p><em>This video showcases two dance sequences performed by the iconic Weimar cabaret dancer, Anita Berber. The first is from 'Unheimliche Geschichten' (1919) and the second from 'Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler' (1922). The first performance appears to have gone unnoticed until now, offering a rare glimpse into Berber’s captivating style associated with Berlin's decadent cabaret scene.</em></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI7CyEqiJRs"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>The Shruti Box – A Perfect Companion for Musicians:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyQr3Njnk1s"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Erhard Bauschke – Eine Braut in Shanghai (1937):</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGCViUV0qk0"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>The Mousemen – Cheese Dream…Crawtown Marsh (2004):</strong></p>
<p><em>The Mousemen are an independent musical group best remembered for their early 2000s EP featuring tracks like "Cheese Dream… Crawtown Marsh" (2004). Their sound combines elements of experimental, indie, and alternative rock.</em></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zXo7CnUHrM"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Anémic Cinéma (1926) - Restored Classic by Marcel Duchamp:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi-4P5bOlNs"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Rare Performance – Moray Balam Naahi Aaye | Thumri In Raag Pilu by Vidushi Madhuri Mattoo:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDQPNvMqWg0"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Introducing the Lirone:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybig-0BBihA"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Andy Graham Presents the DIJBASS Didgeridoo Bass Guitar:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C593qIadQ_8"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>David Munrow – The Mediaeval Sound (Full Album, 1970):</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjPNToXABp4"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>The Skatalites – Treasure Isle:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GZwsaSMeNU"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Disraeli Gears - Cream:</strong></p>
<p><em>Disraeli Gears is the second studio album by the British band Cream released in November 1967. It achieved great success, reaching No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart and securing the top position in Sweden and Finland. It also topped the Australian album chart for two weeks and was crowned the No. 1 album of 1968 by Cash Box in the United States. The album features hits like "Strange Brew" and "Sunshine of Your Love."</em></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/pTgiIUbRSZM?si=-K5uoxmrz0iJ99h5</p>
<p><strong>The Piper at the Gates of Dawn - Pink Floyd:</strong></p>
<p><em>The Piper at the Gates of Dawn is the debut studio album by Pink Floyd, released on August 5, 1967. It marks the band's only album crafted under the influence of founding member Syd Barrett, who composed most of the tracks.</em></p>
<p>https://youtu.be/HrkKL5xJpUc?si=32OSsm4UvHsRUVyC</p>
<p><strong>ETNOBOTANIKA - KOSMOBOTANIKA (Full Album):</strong></p>
<p><em>This is not AI. Real music from live performances in Poland and beyond!</em></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZUPDL3RBYs"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Nigerian Rock Gong Music - Recorded in the 1950s - Northern Nigeria:</strong></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFYmZ6wvJ7Q"></iframe></p>
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