Torn from the Flag: A Film by Klaudia Kovacs

The "Torn from the Flag" documentary film - by Klaudia Kovacs - of the 1956 revolution in Hungary stands out by its absolute credibility and how it captivates the interest from the beginning to the end. As a true documentary, even though it presents facts by showing original footings of film reports and makes surviving participants speak - it does not draw conclusions. The viewer does that so much stronger. And the unavoidable conclusion is that communism is not the paradise for the working class, but the hell; that the soviet domination gained no friends, only enemies and some collaborators who tried to get out; that nobody was fighting for the system: there are no elements of a civil war in that uprising, it was only Hungarians against the soviet military; that the young generation raised by communist indoctrination turned out to be the most ferocious enemy of the system and became the backbone of the revolution. The demand was not for material gains but for freedom and democracy, not as a result of any outside influence but out of healthy, human instinct, the awakening of the soul. We also saw that the revolution was not planned, prepared and organized, it was completely spontaneous, actually unexpected and surprising at that time. Because it would have been badly timed, coinciding with the American presidential elections and the Suez Canal crisis. The West did not aid it, to the contrary: it was abandoned. I was lucky to see this film at its premiere as part of the AFI Fest. Everybody else should see it. The Hungarian 1956 event was the beginning of the collapse of the world communism and a proof that no system, based on lies, can survive too long.

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.

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

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.

I have just seen this movie and I want to see it again and again. If there is one fault with it, its the fact that Hules tried to squeeze too much into too little. Granted, he's got a lot to say, but I could just as well imagine this film as a mini-series. And that's because, like with a good book, you just want to read on and on. Ninety-some minutes are simply not enough. It leaves you hunger for more. That, I suppose is the intentional genius of writer-director Hules, who even, as far as I know, had the pleasure of editing 900 hours of footage into this piece. The miracle is that the movie is still coherent and understandable to everyone, even if you were born decades after the events, on a different continent. I recommend you see it, but I'm warning you that you'll actually need to pay very close attention all the way through! Bring your brain, and, as another reviewer suggested, also bring tissue.