Gloomy Sunday (Ein Lied von Liebe und Tod) (2000)
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84% of critics liked it
(64 reviews) -
90% of users liked it
(4,793 ratings)
Rolf Schuebel makes his directorial debut with this subtly-told true story about one the 1930s' most memorable melodies. Set just prior to WWII, the film focuses on Hungarian beauty Ilona (Erika Marozsan) and her significant other Laszlo Szabo (Joachim Krol), a dapper owner of Budapest's… More Rolf Schuebel makes his directorial debut with this subtly-told true story about one the 1930s' most memorable melodies. Set just prior to WWII, the film focuses on Hungarian beauty Ilona (Erika Marozsan) and her significant other Laszlo Szabo (Joachim Krol), a dapper owner of Budapest's finest restaurant. Though Ilona is known for her prowess on the piano, the two decide to hire a professional as the finishing touch on their classy establishment. They hire Andras (Stefano Dionisi), a taciturn man with a certain mysterious charm. Meanwhile, regular customer and German businessman Hans (Ben Becker) finds himself utterly and completely smitten with the vivacious Ilona. When she spurns his advances, he drunkenly jumps into the Danube. Laszlo manages to rescue him and the three grow to become close friends. At the same time, Andras and Ilona grow to be something more than friends, and -- with the knowledge and approval of Laszlo -- they become lovers. Later, Andras composes a tune dedicated to his new consort and Laszlo quietly arranges for a couple of Austrian record execs to come to the restaurant to listen. Oozing with jaded ennui, the song, sans lyrics, quickly becomes an international success, yet it also seems to cast a dark spell over listeners -- people cannot help but commit suicide. In Hungary alone, 157 people killed themselves in the span of eight weeks. At the same time, the Third Reich marches into Austria. As the film progresses, Hans returns to Budapest, this time as an SS officer. There he offers Laszlo, who is Jewish, and who offers him free passage in exchange for money. This film was screened at the 2000 Berlin Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi
- Directed By
- Rolf Schübel
- Written By
- Rolf Schübel, Ruth Thoma Andrews
- Genres
- Art House & International, Drama
- In Theaters
- Nov 14, 2003 Limited
- Studio
- Menemsha
Critic Reviews
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Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic
It's intelligent, well-acted and beautifully photographed.
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Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
A superior soap opera not unlike what Douglas Sirk might have churned out in the 1950s.
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Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
Its old-fashioned romanticism is heady, and the relationships among the characters are intriguing.
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Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press
It has enough opulent, oversized romanticism to make it a guilty pleasure, not to mention three attractive and appealing characters and, of course, that song.
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Philip Wuntch, Dallas Morning News
It's a stirring and provocative affirmation of the power and resilience of love.
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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Joachim Król
as Laszlo Szabo
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Stefano Dionisi
as Andras Aradi
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András Bálint
as Ilonas Sohn
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Erika Marozsan
as Ilona
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Ben Becker
as Hans Wieck
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Rolf Becker
as Der alte Wieck
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Aron Sipos
as Arzt
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Geza Boros
as Geigenspiler
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Ilse Zielstorff
as Frau Wieck
- Wanja Mues
- Ferenc Bacs