The first film by Hungarian director Istvan Szots tells the story of a woodcutter who moves his family into the serene mountains of Transylvania in search of a better life, only finding tragedy instead. Deviating from mainstream comedies and melodramas of wartime Hungary, this film captures the hardships of people living in such a beautiful yet harsh environment. Also known as People of the Alps, the film was shot on location in Transylvania with a straightforward realist aesthetic and a devotion to the details of daily life, both of which made a sizeable impression on the emerging Italian Neorealists. Winner of the Biennale Award at the Venice Film Festival.

A very enjoyable pace and a beautiful aesthetic., 11 May 1999

Author: Ali Bahar (a_bahar@yahoo.com) from Ali Bahar, Chicago, USA

Sometimes (rarely) a movie starts on TV which I have no intention of watching, but which I find myself drawn to. I pause and, contrary to intent, keep watching. I was walking past the TV when I saw the opening (title) shot, and I could not help but stop. Slowly, I was drawn in. Of course the cinematography is absolutely gorgeous. But the pace of the film, its view of Nature, and its appreciation of a simple life, are attractive as well. The first twenty minutes or so are truly hypnotic! Just watching the couple and their child walk through the forest is mesmerizing. The latter half of the film, however, I was not that fond of. But then I guess the film needed some dramatic tension.