Viharsarok (2014)

Viharsarok (Land of Storms) is a 2014 Hungarian drama film directed by Ádám Császi. The film follows the story of Szabolcs, a young Hungarian man who moves to Germany to escape his conservative rural town and pursue a career in football. He falls in love with his teammate Bernard, but their relationship is met with resistance from their teammates and community.

After returning home to Hungary, Szabolcs becomes disillusioned with his life and seeks refuge with his childhood friend Áron. The two men begin a relationship, but their happiness is short-lived as Szabolcs is forced to confront the homophobic attitudes of his community.

Review:

Viharsarok (Land of Storms) is a powerful and emotionally charged film that tackles themes of identity, sexuality, and social acceptance. The film’s direction is stunning, with Ádám Császi using a stark and haunting visual style to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability with the characters.

The performances in the film are exceptional, with András Sütő delivering a heartbreaking portrayal of Szabolcs, a young man struggling to find his place in the world. Sebastian Urzendowsky is equally impressive as Bernard, Szabolcs’ German lover who is forced to confront the harsh realities of homophobia.

The film is a poignant and thought-provoking commentary on the nature of identity and the search for acceptance. It offers a powerful message about the importance of being true to oneself, even in the face of adversity and social ostracism.

Awards:

Viharsarok (Land of Storms) has won numerous awards, including:

• Teddy Award for Best Feature Film at the Berlin International Film Festival
• Best Director and Best Actor at the Hungarian Film Critics Awards
• Best Cinematography at the Hungarian Film Week Awards
• Best Film and Best Actor at the Iris Prize Festival

Overall, Viharsarok (Land of Storms) is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that offers a powerful commentary on the nature of identity, sexuality, and social acceptance. It is a testament to the power of cinema to tell important stories and to shed light on important social issues, such as the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.