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Aurora Borealis: Northern Light

Aurora Borealis: Northern Light (2017)

Oct 19, 2017 1h 44m Drama

The Aurora Borealis is a story of family that is rich in twists and turns. It breaks the depths of the relationship between mother and daughter. A successful lawyer in Vienna, Olga is called back to Hungary when her old mother, Mary suddenly falls into a coma. While Mary is floating between life and death, Olga finds a deeply silent secret. The increasingly passionate research leads back to the post-war Europe of the '50s.

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Directed by Márta Mészáros

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Márta Mészáros
Writer
  • Zoltán Jancsó
  • Márta Mészáros
  • Éva Pataki
Producer
  • István Major
  • Milda Leipute

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Aurora Borealis: Northern Light examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. 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 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Aurora Borealis: Northern Light took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 1253 individual shots.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2017, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Aurora Borealis: Northern Light shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Last Emperor, which focuses more on action than character development, Aurora Borealis: Northern Light subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Godfather and The Bourne Ultimatum explore similar territory, Aurora Borealis: Northern Light 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: October 19, 2017
  • Runtime: 1h 44m

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