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...
Known as the best satire about communism, banned for over a decade in Hungary. 'The Witness' has become a cult classic, well received by critics and general audiences when it was finally released outside of Hungary. '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. 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... 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.
There is no sex or nudity in this film. At one point, there is some discussion between a father and daughter about what she might have done with a man they know, but there is nothing explicit about the talk.
violence
No violence, though there is an off-camera slaughtering of a pig.
profanity
None in the English subtitles that I recall. I don't know Hungarian, so it's possible there was some left untranslated.
alcohol
Fair amount of smoking--not surprising, given the time and place.
frightening
Some men go through a ride called the "Socialist Ghost Train" which has screaming and some bizarre imagery, though it's fairly mild and lasts only a few minutes.
