Question 1

Why was 'The Witness' banned for 10 years despite being made under government supervision?

Accepted Answer

The Ministry of Culture monitored filming and forced rewrites and cuts, but surprisingly banned the completed film anyway, delaying its release from 1969 to 1979.

Question 2

Which Hungarian newspaper shares its name with a project from the film?

Accepted Answer

A Hungarian newspaper called Hungarian Orange is named after the 'orange project' in the movie. It was founded in 1989 and has a satirical tone.

Question 3

What Hungarian phrases from the film became part of everyday speech?

Accepted Answer

Quotes like 'the international situation is intensifying' and 'life is not a whipped-cream cake' have entered everyday Hungarian speech.

Question 4

Which character satirizes a real secret police general, and how is this shown?

Accepted Answer

Comrade Virágh satirizes secret police general Gábor Péter. This is obvious when Virágh praises Pelikán's jacket, referencing Péter's civilian job as a tailor.

Question 5

How did director Péter Bacsó incorporate non-professional actors into the film?

Accepted Answer

Bacsó tried to use as many non-professional actors as possible. At least seven cast members had little or no prior acting experience, including writer/director Zoltán Fábri.

Loved this film?

Share with others

Loved this film?

Share with others

The Witness

Customers also watched