An American Rhapsody
A true story based on the life story of writer/director Eva Gardos, this film depicts the personal odyssey of a family's escape from Communist Hungary. One night, Margaret (Nastassja Kinski) and Peter (Tony Goldwyn) arrange to escape Hungary with their eldest daughter in tow, forcing them to leave behind their youngest, Suzanne, in the care of Margaret's mother. When the mother is separated from the young child, she goes to live in a peaceful Eastern European countryside with a loving man and woman who raise her until age six, where Suzanne is sent for by her birth parents, now living in America. She finds the adjustment difficult and does not fully comprehend that Margaret and Peter are her parents, but she is willing to stay, and if she feels the same way in several years, Peter has agreed to give her a ticket back to Hungary. Later, as a rebellious teenager (played by Scarlett Johansson), with Margaret becoming a highly overprotective mother, she takes her father up on his offer to go back and reconnect with those who raised her as a child. While in Hungary, she has a change of heart , however, and discovers her true identity. The feature also co-stars Mae Whitman, Emmy Rossum, and Larisa Oleynik. more..
Director: Éva Gárdos
Starring: Nastassja Kinski, Scarlett Johansson,Tony Goldwyn, Mae Whitman, Agnes Banfalvy
Nastassja Kinski, in one of her most affecting performances, does much to convey the turmoil going in her soul.
Although there's a certain connect-the-dots quality to the storytelling, there's no denying the care and craftsmanship that Gardos has brought to her debut film.
The heartfelt truthfulness of Gardos' tale, and the performances of all leads, particularly Johansson, make the film a powerful account of the universal search for identity and the meaning of "home."
Made with care and respect, American Rhapsody manages to skirt the edge of excessive sentiment without falling victim to it.
Ms. Gardos is not a particularly flavorful filmmaker, but she is an honest one.
Best Feature
Hollywood Film Festival (2001)
Best Feature
Nantucket Film Festival (2001)
Best Newcomer
Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards (2002)
Best Ensemble in a Feature Film
Young Artist Awards (2002)
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