The ELTE–NFI University Film Club continues the series of screenings and discussions. We welcome university citizens from all faculties of ELTE.
As we approach the 177th anniversary of the 1848–1849 Revolution and War of Independence, we commemorate the historic events. László Lugossy's film dramatically explores the moral dilemmas that arise after the defeated revolutions.
The 1848 War of Independence was defeated, and the Hungarian army laid down arms at Világos. Ferenc Majláth, Lieutenant-General of the Hussars, is conscripted into a punishment squadron. His commander, the Colonel, escapes. He vows to his comrades that if the country needs him, they will rejoin the battle line. On his return home, he sinks into depression, refusing to cooperate with the Austrian regime. One day, he is joined by the Colonel, who organises a shadow army for Kossuth. The next day his whole family is arrested. He is confronted with a serious dilemma: is it worth surviving if you only compromise with the system? How can you live if you chase by day the very ideas you are passionate about at night? How long is it noble and honourable to hold on to ideas, and when does it put the family in unnecessary danger? Petals, flowers, wreaths is the tragedy of a man unable to forget and compromise. Not least, the film is one of the most beautifully photographed works in the history of Hungarian cinema. The most poetic film of '48, this Kafkaesque story won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.
Date: 12 March 2025, 18.00
Venue: University Square campus (1053 Budapest, Egyetem tér 1-3. fszt., corridor next to the cloakroom)
Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NWk1Us3HP4
Starring György Cserhalmi, Lajos Őze, Grazyna Szapolowska, Jirí Adamira, Boguslaw Linda, Péter Malcsiner.
László Lugossy, the director of the film and Tamás Dobszay, historian, habilitated associate professor of the Department of Modern and Contemporary Hungarian History at the ELTE University of Applied Sciences, scientific director of the Hungarian Agricultural Museum and Library.
Due to the limited number of seats, pre-registration is possible at the following link:
https://ajk.elte.hu/content/szirmok-viragok-koszoruk-lugossy-laszlo-filmje-1984.e.1823
Correspondence about the film club is welcome via eltenfi.filmklub@elte.hu.