Az ötödik pecsét

This film takes place in Budapest during the German occupation of Hungary toward the end of World War 2. As it so happens, four men are sitting at a table in a bar when a stranger hobbles in and asks to join them. After learning that the man was a soldier who was wounded during his service the talk subsequently takes a philosophical turn when a watchmaker named "Miklós Auricular" (Lajos Öze) tells a story and then asks a philosophical question which haunts each of these men the rest of the night. The question, essentially, is whether it would be better to live as a slave and endure severe abuse but have a clear conscience or to live as an abusive slave owner and have no conscience at all. Although they each reach various conclusions their beliefs and values are soon put to the test with surprising results. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a deep but rather dark film made even more interesting by the historical context involving the Russian offensive into Hungary. Also worth mentioning is the fact that this film won the Golden Prize at the 10th Moscow International Film Festival along with being nominated for a Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1977. That being said, I thought it was a good movie overall and for that reason I have rated it accordingly. Above average.

Gets off to an amazing start, with the first 40 or minutes or so being confined to one location, and centring on five men having intense philosophical/political conversations. One stirs things up as the evening's winding down, then everyone's a mess for the second act, and then this war drama becomes a bit more of a war film in its final act, and it kind of comes together... well, it comes together enough.

So where the film ends up certainly isn't terrible, but could perhaps be a bit on the nose. I think The Fifth Seal really flounders throughout its second act, though, and makes the whole thing feel a bit uneven.

I can't deny there are some amazing parts to this film at least, most of them contained to the first 40-ish minutes of the film.

One of the greatest newage hungarian writer Santa Ferenc's book is digging very very deep into the human being and the human nature. Fabry, the director chose the best actors, and made one on the best hungarian movie. You have to see it more than few times, to pick up everything. Its all about life, about war, with amazing questions you cant even answer...

You must read the book!!!

egy csodálatos film.

Wow, I really enjoyed this film. What starts as a close and interesting character study escalates dramatically in the second and third segment. The question it presents is one anyone would struggle to answer, but one the characters are forced to answer. As per the time period tyrants, come and tyrants invariably fall, that is the one solace for poor Gyugyu.

The question might also be if the characters had not been asked the question the night before, would they have reacted the same way in the final scenes.

The other aspect of this film which I loved seeing is Budapest itself and the characters and life in its streets.

"The Fifth Seal" is a timeless masterpiece that delves deep into the human condition and moral dilemmas. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film presents a powerful narrative that challenges viewers to reflect on their own values and choices. The central theme revolves around the question of what it means to be truly human in the face of adversity and moral ambiguity.

The characters are brilliantly portrayed, each representing different facets of humanity and ethical struggles. The dialogue is thought-provoking, and the cinematography captures the stark realities of the era, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

What makes "The Fifth Seal" a must-watch is its enduring relevance. The moral questions it raises are as pertinent today as they were during the time of its setting. It compels viewers to consider their own responses to ethical dilemmas and the nature of their humanity.

In conclusion, "The Fifth Seal" is not just a film; it's an experience that leaves a lasting impression and prompts introspection. Its message is universal and timeless, making it a film that everyone should see at least once.