Story
Directed by acclaimed Hungarian filmmaker Miklos Jancso, "The Red and the White" (1967) is a historical war film set during the Russian Civil War, specifically focusing on the clash between the Bolshevik Red Army and the counter-revolutionary White Army. Jancso, known for his unique visual style and long takes, uses these techniques to create a powerful and immersive narrative that eschews traditional storylines in favor of capturing the chaos and brutality of war. The film is celebrated for its striking black-and-white cinematography and its deliberate use of perspective to convey a sense of confusion and futility.The plot of "The Red and the White" is fragmented, avoiding a conventional narrative arc in favor of episodes depicting the harrowing realities of war. The story is set in 1919 and revolves around Hungarian communist volunteers who join the Red Army during the civil conflict in Soviet Russia. Instead of a single protagonist, the film follows multiple characters, civilians, and soldiers from both sides, highlighting the randomness of violence and the inhumanity of war. Jancso’s decision to omit a traditional storyline or character development underscores the surreal and arbitrary nature of wartime brutality.The cast includes a mix of Hungarian and Russian actors, among them Jozsef Madaras, Tibor Molnar, Andras Kozak, and Krystyna Mikolajewska. These performances, although less focused on individual expression, work cohesively to support Jancso’s vision of a collective human experience amid wartime chaos. "The Red and the White" did not achieve commercial success in the West but has been lauded by critics and cinephiles for its innovative approach and its commentary on the futility and senselessness of war. The film firmly establishes Miklos Jancso’s reputation as an influential auteur in world cinema.
