Gloomy Sunday
“Gloomy Sunday,” an epic romance set in Budapest before, during, and after the Second World War. The title refers to a song, popularized in the US by Billie Holiday, which is rumored to have caused suicides in those who fell under its spell (Snopes.com, the ultimate arbiter of urban legends, lists this story as undetermined–good enough for a movie.)
“Gloomy Sunday” introduces us to the man who wrote the song, pianist Andras (Stefano Dionisi), the woman he wrote it for (Illona, played by Erika Maroszan), and the man who loved her first, the Jewish businessman Laszlo (Joachim Krol.) Laszlo’s restaurant, famous for its outstanding beef rolls, is the focus of the film and the central love triangle. It’s not quite Rick’s Café Americain, but everybody comes to Laszlo’s, including the German Hans Wieck (Ben Becker), who also falls for beautiful Hungarian Illona.
“Gloomy Sunday” won German awards for cinematography and direction, and it is easy to see why. The film is accomplished entertainment, well-acted and tastefully decorated.
“Love triangle plus Nazi” is an interesting constellation, and lead actress Erika Maroszan, who looks equally gorgeous in period dresses as she does in the countless naked scenes, is beautiful enough to make the trio of tragically smitten men convincing.
