Olyan Mint Otthon 1978 17: A Classic Hungarian Comedy Film

Olyan Mint Otthon 1978 17 (Just Like Home) is a Hungarian comedy film directed by Márta Mészáros and starring Zsuzsa Czinkóczi, Jan Nowicki and Anna Karina. The film tells the story of Andras, a man who returns from America to Hungary and tries to reconnect with his old love Anna, but she rejects him. He then decides to buy a dog for companionship and meets a little girl named Zsuzsi, who becomes his new friend and confidante.

What is the film about?

The film is set in the late 1970s, during the socialist era in Hungary. Andras is a successful engineer who has been working in America for several years. He comes back to Budapest to visit his parents and to see Anna, his former girlfriend who is now a famous actress. He hopes to rekindle their romance, but Anna is cold and distant. She tells him that she has moved on and that he should do the same.

Andras feels lonely and depressed. He decides to buy a dog from a pet shop, hoping that it will make him happy. He chooses a cute puppy named Otthon (Home), who becomes his loyal companion. On his way home, he meets Zsuzsi, a precocious and cheerful 10-year-old girl who lives with her mother in a nearby apartment. Zsuzsi takes an instant liking to Andras and Otthon, and invites them to her home. She introduces Andras to her mother, who is a single parent and works as a nurse.

Zsuzsi and Andras develop a close friendship. They spend time together playing games, watching movies, going to the park and talking about life. Zsuzsi tells Andras about her dreams of becoming an actress like Anna, and Andras tells Zsuzsi about his past experiences in America and his failed relationship with Anna. They also share their opinions on politics, society and culture. Zsuzsi is curious and outspoken, while Andras is cynical and disillusioned.

The film explores the contrast between the two generations and the two worlds that they represent: the old and the new, the east and the west, the optimistic and the pessimistic. It also shows how Andras finds a new sense of belonging and happiness with Zsuzsi and Otthon, who make him feel like he is at home.

What are the main themes of the film?

The film deals with several themes that reflect the social and political context of Hungary in the late 1970s. One of them is the contrast between the socialist system and the capitalist system, as represented by Andras and Anna. Andras has experienced the American way of life, which offers more freedom, opportunities and material wealth, but also more competition, alienation and loneliness. Anna has stayed in Hungary, where she enjoys fame, security and stability, but also faces censorship, conformity and restrictions. The film shows how both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, and how they affect the personal lives and choices of the characters.

Another theme is the generational gap and the communication problems between the adults and the children. Andras and Anna are part of a generation that grew up during the Stalinist era and witnessed the 1956 revolution and its aftermath. They have been shaped by their historical experiences and their ideological beliefs. Zsuzsi is part of a younger generation that was born after the revolution and has a different perspective on life. She is more curious, open-minded and rebellious than her elders. She questions their authority and their values, and challenges their assumptions. The film shows how Zsuzsi helps Andras to rediscover his sense of wonder and joy, while Andras helps Zsuzsi to understand her roots and her identity.

How was the film received?

The film was well received by critics and audiences alike. It won the Silver Seashell award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival in 1978, and was nominated for the Golden Spike award at the Valladolid International Film Festival in the same year. It was praised for its humor, warmth and realism, as well as for its performances, especially by Zsuzsa Czinkóczi, who played Zsuzsi. The film was also appreciated for its subtle critique of the socialist system and its portrayal of everyday life in Hungary.

The film is considered one of the best works of Márta Mészáros, who is one of the most acclaimed Hungarian filmmakers of all time. She is known for her films that focus on women’s issues, social problems and personal stories. She is also one of the few female directors who worked in Hungary during the socialist era. She has won several awards for her films, including a Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for Adoption (1975) and a Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for Diary for My Children (1984).

Who are the main actors of the film?

The film features a talented cast of actors, some of whom are well-known in Hungarian and international cinema. The main actors are:

Zsuzsa Czinkóczi, who plays Zsuzsi, the little girl who befriends Andras. She was a child actress who starred in several films by Márta Mészáros, such as Nine Months (1976), Diary for My Children (1984) and Diary for My Lovers (1987). She won the Best Actress award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival for her role in Nine Months.
Jan Nowicki, who plays Andras, the engineer who returns from America. He is a Polish actor who has appeared in many films by Polish and Hungarian directors, such as Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Zanussi, Miklós Jancsó and István Szabó. He is known for his roles in The Hourglass Sanatorium (1973), The Maids of Wilko (1979) and Colonel Redl (1985).
Anna Karina, who plays Anna, the actress who rejects Andras. She is a Danish-French actress who was a muse and a collaborator of Jean-Luc Godard, one of the leading figures of the French New Wave. She starred in many of his films, such as A Woman Is a Woman (1961), Vivre sa vie (1962), Bande à part (1964) and Pierrot le Fou (1965). She also worked with other directors, such as Jacques Rivette, Luchino Visconti and Rainer Werner Fassbinder.
Ildikó Pécsi, who plays Zsuzsi’s mother, a nurse who works hard to raise her daughter. She is a Hungarian actress who has appeared in many films and television shows, such as The Round-Up (1966), The Fifth Seal (1976), Angi Vera (1979) and Family Nest (1979). She won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in Angi Vera.

Why should you watch the film?

Olyan Mint Otthon 1978 17 is a film that offers a humorous and touching insight into the lives of ordinary people in Hungary during the socialist era. It shows how they cope with their personal problems, their social challenges and their political realities. It also depicts how they find joy and meaning in their relationships with each other and with their pets. The film is a testament to the human spirit and the power of friendship.

The film is also a showcase of the artistic vision and the social critique of Márta Mészáros, one of the most influential Hungarian filmmakers of all time. She uses her camera to capture the beauty and the ugliness of her country, as well as the hopes and the fears of her characters. She creates a realistic and authentic portrait of Hungary that is both critical and compassionate.

Olyan Mint Otthon 1978 17 is a film that will make you laugh, cry and think. It is a film that will make you feel like you are at home.

What are the main strengths of the film?

One of the main strengths of the film is its realistic and humorous depiction of the everyday life in Hungary during the socialist era. The film shows the struggles and joys of ordinary people who have to deal with the shortages, the bureaucracy, the propaganda and the surveillance of the system. It also shows how they find ways to express themselves, to have fun and to be creative despite the limitations. The film uses a lot of irony and satire to poke fun at the absurdities and contradictions of the socialist reality.

Another strength of the film is its emotional and touching portrayal of the friendship between Andras and Zsuzsi. The film shows how they bond over their common love for Otthon, the dog, and how they support each other through their personal problems. The film also shows how they learn from each other and grow as individuals. The film avoids any sexual or romantic implications between them, and instead focuses on their pure and innocent relationship. The film creates a strong contrast between their friendship and Andras’ failed romance with Anna.

What are some of the challenges or criticisms of the film?

One of the challenges or criticisms of the film is its ambiguous and controversial ending. The film does not provide a clear resolution or closure for the main characters, and leaves their fate open to interpretation. Some viewers may find this ending unsatisfying or frustrating, while others may find it realistic or intriguing. The ending may also raise some ethical or moral questions about the choices and actions of Andras and Zsuzsi.

Another challenge or criticism of the film is its potential cultural or historical distance from modern audiences. The film is set in a specific time and place that may not be familiar or relevant to many viewers today. The film may require some background knowledge or context to fully appreciate its themes and messages. The film may also use some references or jokes that may not translate well across languages or cultures.

Where can you watch the film?

If you are interested in watching Olyan Mint Otthon 1978 17, you may have some options depending on your location and preference. Here are some of them:

You can buy the DVD of the film from www.sddfilms.com, which offers a collection of rare and classic Hungarian films. The DVD has English subtitles and bonus features, such as interviews and trailers.
You can watch the film online on Veoh.com, a video streaming platform that hosts user-generated content. The film is uploaded by sddstudios, the same company that sells the DVD. However, the quality of the video may not be very high, and you may need to install a special player to watch it.
You can listen to the audio of the film on SoundCloud, a music and podcast streaming platform that allows users to upload and share their sounds. The film is uploaded by RemploMplordzu and Flagexmencko, two users who seem to be fans of Hungarian cinema. However, you may not be able to see the images or read the subtitles of the film.
You can join MUBI, a curated online cinema that offers a selection of hand-picked films from around the world. The film is available on MUBI as part of their Hungarian Cinema series. However, you may need to pay a monthly or annual subscription fee to access their library.

What are some similar films that you may like?

If you enjoyed Olyan Mint Otthon 1978 17, you may also like some other films that share some similarities with it. Here are some suggestions:

The Quiet Girl (1978), another film by Márta Mészáros that stars Zsuzsa Czinkóczi as a young girl who lives with her grandmother in a small village and befriends a mysterious stranger.
Diary for My Children (1984), another film by Márta Mészáros that stars Zsuzsa Czinkóczi as a teenage girl who returns to Hungary after living in exile with her parents and struggles to adapt to the socialist regime.
The Maids of Wilko (1979), a Polish film by Andrzej Wajda that stars Jan Nowicki as a man who visits his former lovers in a rural estate and reminisces about his past.
A Woman Is a Woman (1961), a French film by Jean-Luc Godard that stars Anna Karina as an aspiring actress who wants to have a child with her boyfriend but he refuses.

Conclusion

Olyan Mint Otthon 1978 17 is a classic Hungarian comedy film that tells the story of a man and a girl who become friends through their love for a dog. The film is directed by Márta Mészáros, one of the most acclaimed Hungarian filmmakers of all time, and features a talented cast of actors, including Zsuzsa Czinkóczi, Jan Nowicki and Anna Karina. The film is a humorous and touching portrait of life in Hungary during the socialist era, as well as a critique of the system and its effects on the people. The film is also a celebration of the human spirit and the power of friendship. The film has won several awards and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film is available on DVD and online platforms, and may appeal to fans of Hungarian cinema and comedy films.

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