Torn from the Flag
Torn from the Flag
| 10 November 2007 (USA)
Torn from the Flag Trailers

A sociopolitical historical documentary-thriller about the international decline of communism and the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

Reviews
Thehibikiew Not even bad in a good way
Tyreece Hulme One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.
Bessie Smyth Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.
Brooklynn There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.
ipattant The title "Torn From the Flag" is provocative. Since most of us hold our (national) flags to be sacred, we know something is up when something is torn from it. The title foretold what I was about to see.My parents left Hungary in 1956 during the revolt. Compared to most viewers, I thought I knew the story well, both from dinner time conversation and from reading books about it, such as "Bridge at Andau" or "A Light in the Distance" by Stephen Veres. We know how the story turns out, and we think we know the story. As I watched the movie, I realized that I had only a vague idea of the socio-political pressures that sowed the seeds of a revolution, or how it got ignited. As it turns out, I knew very little about the whole story.Watching this movie was like being punched in the gut. I was powerfully moved. The movie made me feel like I was there, right in the middle of it. I was spell bound through the whole movie. The interviews were extra-ordinarily powerful. Each was a unique account of the same event, from that individual's perspective, relating how they were swept along by the events of the time. As a viewer, my imagination filled in the pictures as they were telling their stories. One could even feel sympathy for the Russian soldier or the mid-level politicians, trying to deal with things way beyond their control.The story of 1956 is both tragic and heroic at the same time. So many people sacrificed their lives, seeking the freedoms that we take for granted here in the USA. This is a story that is still painful and tugs at the hearts of Hungarians everywhere, for reasons that non-Hungarians will never understand.What all people should understand is: how absolute power corrupts absolutely, the importance of civil liberties and free speech, and how quickly a totalitarian government can install itself, or be ousted. This is a story that could happen anywhere at anytime in any culture in any language. We would do well to learn the lessons of 1956. This movie helps us learn those lessons. Watch the movie.
tommytko This is a most excellent film. Klaudia Kovacs has created an informative, entertaining and very important film. This film is a must-see. This film is about the Hungarian Revolution. The film tells the story on how the Hungarians stood up to the Russians and Communism. These events take us to the aftermath of the revolution and its affects around the world. Following this revolution, other nations began to protest and communism collapsed worldwide. Many people who witnessed and participated in the Revolution are in this film. From Hungarian Freedom Fighters, Students, Even a Russian Soldier. Cheers to Klaudia and the rest of the production team for bringing this very important event to the big screen.
violetta-6 As an adult who was born in Hungary months before the Revolution, I have lived my entire life hearing stories from my parents about their journey from Hungary to Austria during the winter of 1956. In fact, I recently revisited the location of the military camp that housed the refugees in Steyr, Austria. This journey was something I had longed to do and to share with my mother. The wait for a film like this was worth it. It stirs emotions for those who were there, but even those who only viewed it from a distance. Kudos to the producer, director, and all involved in the production. Making a film like this requires dedication, passion, and commitment of time. I highly recommend this film to anyone who appreciates good documentary film making and wishes to become more educated about the politics of that time. I know that my education in American schools did not include much, if any, discussion about the Revolt of 1956. It is an important part of world history and students everywhere would benefit from seeing it. It is a moving visual experience and the participants in the film are genuine, interesting and have stories worthy of everyone's attention.
curleyvan Thank you Laszlo Kovacs, Vilmos Zsigmond for filming proof what forethought to get this on film. Thank you Klaudia and George for brilliantly putting it into the can. WoW. How would anyone like me know what horrors the Hungarians have suffered without filmmakers as these. I've gained a whole new respect and understanding for this country. Its one great memorial for Laszlo Kovacs...who I am a huge fan of. One one hand to see his earliest work was a treat. He will be missed, we lost yet another creative soul/teacher. I'm not one to watch something over and over especially when a film like this stays with you forever. When made so brilliantly you don't need to. I will not forget the accounting of these peoples horrors have endured any time soon if ever. It also brings up feelings of gratefulness to be raised in the USA. But also how I was taught of other countries & the people who live there in a very biased/not very factual way. This films facts moved me to sadness.