I just finished watching it for the second time.
I'll try to avoid spoilers. A few impressions.
While there are some parallels and interesting connections, even almost word-for-word lines, it's really not Hungarian Brokeback.
It is, however, largely about rural homophobia, and internalized homophobia.
Hungary is the Wyoming of Europe. And, instead of horses, they have motorbikes. A dilapidated house instead of a tent. You can find a Jack, and an Ennis, but it's a different story. There are brutal father figures, a mother too. The Catholic church looms large.
So much of the story is told through (the main character) Szabi's face. Not really that much dialogue, and I have no reason to think that the subtitles are wrong. In fact, you could watch the film with the sound off and understand it completely.
It's full of ambiguity and ambivalence. Eros/thanatos. Love/death. Eroticism/violence. It is at times achingly tender.
The cinematography is stunning. All the more difficult because rural Hungary isn't much to look at. No majestic mountains or lakes, etc. There is one incongruous swan boat. But each shot is somehow perfect.
Not sure what to make of the ending, but at the very beginning, they say it's based on a true story. It seems many people were disappointed. Made more sense to me the second time.
Has anyone else seen it yet?
