borg42

Seb, a reckless cop smells some odd deal going down. He finds himself suspended and framed soon afterwards, and his only chance to clear his name is to be faster than the guys who are after him...

Critics hated this film of respected film-maker László Szabó, overlooking the fact that he has not been active for a long period, it's his first action movie and he had very low budget and tight timeframe. All that definitely have an effect on the film, but we've seen much worse which started off with better background (Apám beájulna, Európa expressz, Magyar vándor, for instance). The basic story and structure is okay, the worst thing is the screenplay, some more time for rewrites would definitely have done good for the script. Character basics are fine as well, the film features A-class actors, but their performance is hindered by the inadequate level of action movie character direction.

The upside of the film is that it has brilliant atmosphere (reminiscent of '70s-'80s Hungarian crime films) and the thread of the man who hides Seb is done really well (nota bene this is the part where the film gets good, when it's not all about action and crime). These may be covered by negative aspects, but nevertheless it's still a very rare gift in present Hungarian film-making. With some script and dialogue rewrites, braver directing, chance to re-shoot some scenes and more time given for cutting, this could have been a very good film. Too bad it did not quite come out like that in the end, there is a good deal of wasted potential.

András, a troubled IT worker is facing heavy drug addiction problems when he meets up with Juli, a woman who is trying to escape from a failed relationship. The fraught and sensible two match up and try to manage their problems locked up in the apartment of András, hoping they can do what seems impossible, and perhaps see the clouds above Ghanghes one day...

The magnificent performance of the actors was not overlooked. In 2003, at the annual Hungarian Film Critics Awards the male and female actors were named the best male and female actors in Hungarian film-making of that year. By that time, Zoltán Ternyák had been in coma for several months as he was suffering the consequences of his real life alcohol abuse that hunted him for long years. Actually he never woke up again and died in 2003.

Great story, fine directing and magnificent music make this film one of the most remarkable pieces of Hungarian film-making of that decade.

The story is about Lili Csokonai, an innocent gypsy girl who falls for a married businessman. Moments from the present and the past outline the story of her love towards a man who's only for fun, a situation that ought to lack a happy ending...

It's the combination of good story, archaic language, interesting storytelling and an excellent choice of music that makes this film really remarkable, what's more, it has a brilliant ending.

There is no perfect film, and Érzékek iskolája is no different: the performance of the male leading actor is a bit pale, the female leading actress Ms. Gryllus fails miserably to grow up to the level demanded by this role, although her being natural is still impressive. Luckily there is Lajos Kovács in a supporting role and Kati Lázár shows her voice talent, they are both great.

With a better leading role casting, this could have been 10/10 - still, the structure and realisation of the film is magnificent and it definitely saves the picture for good. It's a must see if you want to know the bright side of Hungarian film-making in the 90's. 9/10.