Torn from the Flag: A Film by Klaudia Kovacs

Torn from the Flag - How can I convey in words the emotion I felt and the education I received watching this documentary and do it justice?

This documentary film shows the dramatic events which led to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and consequently the collapse of the USSR Communist state decades later. The producers interviewed several actual Freedom Fighters and other participants with various points of view, so Torn from the Flag is not a mere repetition of the same news stories of the Hungarian Revolution we have heard many times before. In fact, in 90 minutes, the audience is shocked, brought to tears, witnesses the bloody struggle and the apparent short-lived victory which was achieved by the Freedom Fighters. Days later, the Hungarians' joy of freedom and hope for independence was brutally crushed by a merciless, overbearing dictatorial superpower, which was followed by severe retribution by the new communist government. Desperation replaced hope in Hungary, and the world stood by and did nothing. Why did the free world allow this suppression of liberty?

This story must be told and kept alive so that current generations better understand what occurred and future generations do not forget this struggle for freedom.

Thank you, Ms.Kovacs and company for this valiant production!

This film lends perspective to anyone who is too young to know about the events that led to the Soviet domination of Eastern Europe at the end of WWII. Klaudia Kovacs has combined actual footage of the days of revolution (amazing that it was taken) that is really extraordinary. People tell their own stories about a cause that most of us don't know about and make you wonder if you would have half the courage that the Hungarians had to face a military machine. This movie is so well done. Courage, honor and politics collide in a wonderful film. Bring tissue. Stories of sacrifice, torture and loss are real, but you leave this film with gratitude for freedom and inspiration, too.

Dear Klaudia,

My husband, my son, and I all have the same opinion regarding your TORN FROM THE FLAG documentary film. It gives a very truthful and artistic reflection of the 1956 Revolution.It does not take any side of the parties involved and does not exaggerate the different situations. It looks at things with objectivity and shows the causes of the revolution, the ensuing suppression, and the eventual victory in the long run. To make this film, which was an enormous task considering all the obstacles, took a lot of courage on your part, but you made it a success. For all of us who lived through the brutality of the dictatorial regime and then the Revolution, the film gives back the sad and the short-lived happy memories of that time. For today's generation the film gives a chance and warning to love and protect freedom and democracy. We wish that with your talent you have the opportunity do many many more good and valuable projects.

Susan Dobay

I know the story of the Hungarian Revolution all too well. My parents were Freedom Fighters who were both imprisoned for their efforts. Torn From the Flag explains the historical events succinctly yet emotionally. The footage that was shot by the young Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond puts the viewer right into the middle of the brave fight. The score by Chris Horvath propels the emotions of the story. This is a film that should be seen by not only those of Hungarian descent but anyone seeking to gain the knowledge of how a small nation was able to rise up against a much larger oppressor. The filmmakers should be very proud of their efforts.

Klaudia Kovacs, an enterprising young woman from Hungary creates a well balanced documentary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.

Although born years after the portrayed history-changing events took place, Klaudia was successful in presenting this lesson in history not only against the Hungarian background and other events throughout the world but also in the time line between 1946 and 1989.

In order to gather her information and facts for said documentary, she interviewed numerous participants of the revolution in Hungary as well as movers and shakers of international history. We hear not only from freedom-fighters, biographers of Russian and US world leaders, Russian political figures, Henry Kissinger and others presenting their take on those memorable days.

The documentary is fast paced, no unnecessary fluff. English subtitles, when and wherever necessary, are excellent. For those in the audience who's only language is English it is smooth sailing, even though there is some Hungarian, Italian and Russian. The film keeps you riveted to your seat from its beginning to its end.

Fifty years after the uprising of a ten-million nation against a heavily armored two-hundred million superpower and a gap of almost two generations Ms. Kovacs succeeded in writing / producing this unique film, with a special perspective which is lauded by former freedom-fighters. We could not have portrayed it better.

In comparing this film to others on the same subject, the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, I have concluded that it can not be compared. It is so different. I feel also, as far as violence is concerned, that there is far less shown in this film then in the news-reports coming from present day Iraq.

This is a film that should be seen and studied by young and old alike, by all those searching for democracy, and by those who fear the loss of democracy.

I have published on the Internet a full critical review of this movie in English as well as in Hungarian. If interested, you may contact me via e-mail.