Product Description

Banned for over a decade for its outspoken criticism of the post-WWII communist regime in Hungary, Péter Bacsó’s 'The Witness' has since then achieved unparalleled cult status in its native land. Known as the best satire about communism, 'The Witness' has become a cult classic, which was also well received by critics and general audiences alike when it was finally released outside of Hungary. Its candid and realistic portrayal of the incompetent communist regime has earned great acclaim for both the director and the film itself when it was shown at Cannes Film Festival in 1981.

'The Witness' takes place during the height of the Rákosi Era, which was closely modeled after the ruthless and brutal Stalin regime. The film follows the life of an ordinary dike keeper, József Pelikán, who has been caught for illegally slaughtering his pig, Dezsõ. Instead of doing hard time for his "heinous" crime, Pelikán is elevated into an important position, generally reserved for the communist elite. Of course, Pelikán is utterly clueless about his newfound luck, not to mention his new job. Even his new benefactor, the mysterious Comrade Virág, is reluctant to reveal the real reason behind Pelikán’s preferential treatment. Thus, begins Pelikán’s hilarious adventure deep within the "sophisticated" communist society. One failure after another the incompetent Pelikán is elevated higher and higher on the communist echelon, all the while remaining completely clueless about his promotions. Until one day, when he gets called for to return the "favour" by falsely testifying against his long-time friend in a mock-up show trial.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43437 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-10-07
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, Color, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Original language: Hungarian
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 104 minutes

Customer Reviews

"Well, comrade Pelikan, life is not all beer and skittles.."
As being a Hungarian myself, I might have a soft spot for this film, but I find it extremely funny anyway.However, I feel I should add some background to those who never lived in a totalitarian personality cult. An era where the best was to keep your mouth shut even among your best friends, for you could not be sure who will report on you. In an era where a big black car might have stopped at your house in the middle of the night to take you and never let you go again. In an era where when deciding about executives, it was your loyalty that mattered not your skill or know-how. Where everyone stated the lemon to be an orange, if it was the dictum of the leaders. Where not clapping hard enough when "our leader" Rakosi addressed the crowd was enough for imprisonment.
All the events described in this film might seem absurd - but I have to say they easily could have and did happen during the '50s in the East of Europe.Although the regime softened a bit, in 1969 making this film was still not the safest thing to. Not surprisingly it wasn't aired for almost a decade. But since then, it became a cult film by any means. Lines like "Well, comrade Pelikan, life is not all beer and skittles.." are known and quoted by everyone.

The ultimate cult movie
This film can probably be called THE Hungarian cult movie.
It is a very sad comedy, but with a lot of hilariously funny and original ideas. Made in 1969, a time of political liberalization, it was banned before its first screening and could not be shown in Hungary till 1978. Although the plot takes place in the Rákosi era (1949-1956), the darkest years in Hungarian communism, its anarchical criticism of the communist regime also had impact on the time it was made in.

Where ignorance is bliss
'T'is folly to be wise.

Blissful ignorance was certainly an advantage in post-World War II Hungary during the regime of Matyas Rakosi. Rakosi, in his dual capacity as General Secretary of the Communist Party and Prime Minister of Hungary, did not take kindly to dissent or independent thought. Rakosi often described himself as "Stalin's best Hungarian disciple". Like Stalin, Rakosi liked to utilize "salami tactics", the elimination of opponents or perceived opponents slice by slice. It is not surprising that Rakosi was deposed and fled Hungary shortly after Nikita Khrushchev's denunciation of Stalin at the USSR's 20th-party Congress in 1956."The Witness", Hungarian director Peter Bacso's wickedly funny farce, is set in Rakosi's Hungary. Filmed in 1969 "The Witness" was not shown in Hungary until after its version of the "Velvet Revolution" in 1989.

Pelikan, the hero of "The Witness" certainly seems full of bliss and devoid of folly. He is a village dam-keeper. His job is to watch the waters of the local river and open the gates whenever the situation warrants. Played brilliantly by Ferenc Kallai, Pelikan's life is focused on his simple job and keeping his family fed. Unfortunately, one way to keep his family fed in a time of food shortages and strict rationing is to grow a pig and then slaughter it in secret. The consequences of this illegal act form the plot for the movie.

No sooner has the film started than Pelikan gets caught with a basement full of pork products. Pelikan is carted off to prison. But, rather than imprisonment or execution Pelikan is wined and dined by high level party functionaries, released from prison and given a new and better job. Pelikan is spectacularly unsuited for the new job and disaster strikes. Again, he is carted off to jail and then wined, dined, and given another new job. All Pelikan wants to do is get back to his dam. But the party has another job in store for him. He is expected to testify as a witness at the trial of another high level functionary being purged via a show trial. The trial and its aftermath provide the conclusion to the movie. As in most well-made `farces' the conclusion is not just funny but also thought provoking.

It is hard to describe how funny this film is. Kallai's acting brings Pelikan to life. His acting is very visual and that more than makes up for the fact the dialogue is in subtitles. Pelikan's visual reactions to the events around him translate remarkably well into any language. Bacso's black and white cinematography and direction are also excellent.

It certainly helps to have some background information about post World War II Hungary but even without that information "The Witness" can be seen and enjoyed. The themes of venality and bureaucratic ineptitude and hypocrisy cross all national and political boundaries.

I enjoyed The Witness immensely and can recommend it without hesitation.