La chorale

This beautiful short film has it ALL--a child's point of view, gorgeous music, great cinematography, brilliant and beautiful actors and a surprise ending. It is like reading a short story by O. Henry and watching all the characters unfold while feeling great attachment for some and disdain for others. I have never seen a Hungarian film prior to this one and "Mindenki aka Sing" was certainly a wonderful introduction. It is a film that I'd be willing to watch again and that everyone should experience at least once.

"Mindenki" is a captivating and thought-provoking short film that explores the themes of conformity and individuality within a children's choir. The film's strength lies in its powerful performances, particularly from the young actors who portray the students. Their talent and emotional depth bring authenticity to the story. The music in the film is beautifully composed and adds to the overall atmosphere. However, one weakness of the film is its limited runtime, which leaves some aspects of the narrative feeling underdeveloped. Additionally, the cinematography, while visually pleasing, could have been more dynamic to enhance the storytelling. Overall, "Mindenki" is a poignant and impactful short film that raises important questions about identity and the pressure to conform. It's definitely worth a watch for its strong performances and thought-provoking subject matter.

Mindenki ("Sing") offers a window into the heart and soul of a friendship and loyalty, of fairness and justice through the eyes of a young Hungarian girl. The film does beautifully with its use of choir and music, thus reinforcing emotions and the gravitas to the symbolism and tension between silence and freedom of speech, a theme that runs implicitly through the film. And still, "Sing" also offers a sweet, reminiscent look into child's play and the power of art and of fairness as primary for children. A beautiful, must-see, and redemptive film, sure to touch any or all who have also felt silenced and who needed a friend at times. A joy and a masterpiece of Hungarian cinema.

Mindenki transports us to a strict girl's school in Hungary, where our newcomer protagonist tries out for the renowned choir. Only there's a catch, and the reason she ends up making the list turns out to be a bit disturbing. To say more would be to spoil the story.

Like all art-forms, cinema has its fair share of "golden rules" aimed at steering filmmakers clear of potentially catastrophic mistakes: don't shoot at sea, don't use animals, don't use children... The secret being that if you can transcend the challenges each rule poses, you can make a film that is pure magic. Director Kristof Deak's cast is almost exclusively comprised of 10-11 year-old girls, and he plays them like an elite orchestra. Because the performances are so pure and natural, the storytelling so liquid, this comes across as effortless filmmaking, when in fact it pulls off some of the craft's most daunting challenges.

It will be very interesting to see what Deak and co do next, especially after whatever happens on Oscar Night where, if there is any justice, this little gem will walk away with a little golden statue.

When young "Zsofi" (Karádi Borbála) arrives at her new school, her one wish is to join it's choir. She befriends it's star singer "Liza" (Hais Dorottya) and goes to a rehearsal. It's after this that she is told by the teacher "Miss Erika" (Szamosi Zsófia) that in future it's best that she just mime along to the songs - she's not yet good enough to actually sing! Disconsolate, her friend soon realise that there is something amiss and after a few days of persistence finally finds out. At the next practise session the young "Liza" notices a little more than she is supposed to and with the competition looming, the choir decide it's time to make their presence felt. The acting from the girls and their teacher is engaging, and I did like the ending - it works really quite well in this charming and enjoyable story of teamwork with just a tiny hint of revenge!