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Diary for My Father and My Mother

Diary for My Father and My Mother (1990)

Jan 02, 1990 1h 59m Drama

This story follows a young student, who is orphaned as she grows to adulthood in the shadow of the 1956 Hungarian uprising. Coming from the Communist intelligentsia, she sees her friends and family react differently. Her lover, a married factory manager, supports the patriots and later assists fellow workers in staging a strike. Meanwhile her sister and others express anger at being forced from their homes during the revolution and continue to express a hatred for the rebels afterwards. But in the end they realize that for all people, real life is not possible after the revolt and its brutal suppression by the Soviets and their collaborators.

Directed by Márta Mészáros

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Márta Mészáros
Writer
  • Éva Pataki
  • Márta Mészáros
Producer
  • Gábor Hanák

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Diary for My Father and My Mother examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Márta Mészáros brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Diary for My Father and My Mother took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 119 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 163 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 80 unique compositions.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1990, when this film was released:
  • Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Diary for My Father and My Mother shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Eat, which focuses more on action than character development, Diary for My Father and My Mother subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Ron Clark Story and Julie & Julia explore similar territory, Diary for My Father and My Mother stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 2, 1990
  • Runtime: 1h 59m

Where to Watch

Klassiki

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