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Jancsó's 1968 Film Exposes Hungary's Dark Political Legacy

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Miklós Jancsó’s 1968 film portrays Hungary's political history after World War I through a surreal lens.
The narrative centers on the fugitive István hiding on a farm.
Anti-Communist forces brutalize locals through collective punishment, led by a secret-police commandant.
The film uses haunting imagery and long takes to create a sense of dread.

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Story summary

Miklós Jancsó’s 1968 film portrays Hungary's political history after World War I through a surreal lens.
The narrative centers on the fugitive István hiding on a farm.
Anti-Communist forces brutalize locals through collective punishment, led by a secret-police commandant.
The film uses haunting imagery and long takes to create a sense of dread.