A fictionalized story of the composition of the song "Gloomy Sunday" which became known as The Hungarian Suicide Song. Written for love, the song soon becomes the theme for a tale of tragedy.
First of all, the label on this movie is deceiving. It says "based on a true story," but just about every character is fictional so do not rely on this movie for the actual story of the song "Gloomy Sunday." However, as a story, this one is frighteningly beautiful.
The movie focuses on the relationship between the owner of a fancy restaurant, his beautiful waitress lover, and the young pianist they hire. Soon, the pianist falls in love with Illona, the waitress, and composes "Gloomy Sunday" for her birthday. The song quickly becomes a hit in Hungary and all the world, but leaves behind an trail of tragedy as several people who hear the song commit suicide. Things become complicated when Hitler's army begins to implement The Final Solution and the love triangle's life is threatened.
Some viewers might be very annoyed by Illona, who lives her life rather selfishly, claiming that she needs both men to be happy, and they comply. However, I found that her character is almost angelic and that she has a mysterious power over people that makes her behavior excusable, at least, that's what the movie is trying to say. The actress playing her is very beautiful and subtle. The men playing her lovers are also very good, very different, and they both adore her.
This is a depressing movie. There's not a sense of happiness at the end of the film, but I suppose there is a sense of victory. The song "Gloomy Sunday" is magnificent, it is a brilliant thread that connects all the people and events in the movie. The whole idea for the movie is very creative, too. The movie is long, almost two hours and seems longer, but it has to be finished once it's begun. We do become attached to the characters.
*Lots of nudity*
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