Indul a bakterház

I'm not sure if being Hungarian is the key to enjoy this film. It certainly has a milieu very peculiar to this part of the world (yes, I'm Hungarian too). But that may also appeal to viewers from other countries in the same region. The language, the events and the characters are a classic portrayal of rural life but one that belongs in a long lost era. Thus, it is even alien to most Hungarian people. However, most people, even though born long after the time the film is set, like myself, enjoy the film to this day. So I suppose a familiarity with the conditions and history of Hungary between the two World Wars may come in handy, I still feel the film, when dubbed, could be enjoyed by a wider audience. I accept of course that it will have completely different meaning than what it means to the Hungarian.

I read the book and saw the movie many times. It's just hilarious. We can all relate to the cute little kid, Bendeguz, who sees people's shortcomings so accurately and shares them with us in such a genuinely sweet and funny way. The dialogs capture a child's sense of humor and reminds us what it is like to be a kid living in the grown-up's world. You also see rural life during the early 20th century Hungary, which was simplistic but eventful. Bendeguz's mischiefs are so funny, they make any viewer laugh regardless of his or her nationality. This movie will touch you, make you laugh and you'll definitely want your kids to see it. Watch this movie anytime, especially when you feel sad and it will cheer you up and remind you of the preciousness of life.

I really rate Kontroll, and liked Szomorú Vasárnap too, so was looking forward to another Hungarian picture, but there was no way that those two films would prepare me for the raw slapstick of Indul a Bakterház! I must admit to being caught offguard: the first half-hour I had no clue what I was watching, the poor audio re-dubbing of the original language didn't help. Eventually I got bedded in and ended up enjoying the unfolding chaos, with its memorably-bonkers characters - who are apparently not as exaggerated as one might think! - and well-played main role from the übercheeky young lad.

6/10 is the minimum rating I give for films I would consider worth watching: there might not have been much else to Indul a Bakterház, but it's worth enough for most of you to have a go.

So recommended if you're interested in foreign films which show you hidden elements of their culture using daft comedy (in this case eccentric village farm hands from bygone days), without any concession to outsiders. Imagine showing Benny Hill & League of Gentlemen to a native Hungarian...you get the idea.

Not particularly recommended if you're looking for more universally-appreciable examples of Hungarian cinema.

Dear Non-Hungarian Readers/Movie Watchers!

I am really sad to say, but I think this film was made only for Hungarian people. I respect Non-Hungarians who try to understand this movie, but I'm sure they wont. Even not if they read the book, tried to study the language... I don't want to hurt anybody... The characters use an accent that is funny on its own. Bendeguz is a 'Hungarian farmer' (Paraszt) kid with a very simple but totally positive view of the world - and has conflicts with people who don't have the same emotions. These conflicts and his tactics to avoid them - or cause them - are really fun. But for Foreigners, this film is a nice memorial of the Hungarian farmer-society and its life between the two World Wars, and I guess nothing more.

The movie is somehow still entertaining still these days. I remember when I saw this firstly on my tiny portable CD player when I was 6 years old, and how hilarious was it watching with my parents. It perfectly represents our expectations about the Hungarian peasants and their everyday life. The main character is very well played by Imre Olvasztó as well as the others. My favourite part is when the boy meet the crone or the "banya" several times and their behaviour with each other is always killing me always. Despite some good old wine drinking and some drunk scenes, the movie is rated between family friendly for teens - like I referenced earlier, I can recommend for everyone who wants to laugh a lot.