Mindenki

This was a charming piece overall. The young girls gave exceptional performances and the writing did exemplify competence in film storytelling. All of the moments worked except for what happens in the end. Inventive way of dealing with the problem of exclusion but it sends the message that everyone should be accepted. For example, a basketball team would now have to accept anyone who goes out for the team and let them play merely because they show up. Forget whether they can play or not, like it used to be, they just have to show up. This is pretty much what the film is telling us and when you see it you will know what I mean.

In this list I usually review feature length movies, that is films with a duration of at least one hour. Exceptions to this rule are relatively rare. Examples are "The bespoke overcoat" (1955, Jack Clayton) and "Vincent" (1982, Tim Burton).

The Hungarian short "Sing" is another exception. Apart from being short (25 minutes) it is also meant as a children's movie. This is however not to be taken very literally. I saw the film from 22:15 - 22:40 PM, not children's prime time.

The film is about a girl that has recently moved to a new elementary school . She is somewhat uncertain and to make friends she joints the school choir.

I will not further elaborate on the plot. Let is suffice that the plot contains some ethical choices (to be honest versus to be successful) and some life experiences (best intentions causing serious (psychological) injuries. Both are viewed from the perspective of both children and adults.

In 2017 the film rightly won an Oscar in the category Best Live Action Short film.

I saw it as former student in not different situation at a moment. I saw it as teacher ( fortunately, History , not Music) . I saw it as former part of school competition. And I was impressed in profound sense about the perfect way to say a deep truth by this short film, powerful, precise and very useful. A game of apparences and the courage of revenge. And magnificent performances. It is Mindeki more than a good film. But the fair testimony about force and honesty of childhood against forms of hypocrisy. So, great, just great.

"Mindenki" is a captivating and thought-provoking short film that explores the themes of conformity and individuality within a children's choir. The film's strength lies in its powerful performances, particularly from the young actors who portray the students. Their talent and emotional depth bring authenticity to the story. The music in the film is beautifully composed and adds to the overall atmosphere. However, one weakness of the film is its limited runtime, which leaves some aspects of the narrative feeling underdeveloped. Additionally, the cinematography, while visually pleasing, could have been more dynamic to enhance the storytelling. Overall, "Mindenki" is a poignant and impactful short film that raises important questions about identity and the pressure to conform. It's definitely worth a watch for its strong performances and thought-provoking subject matter.

When young "Zsofi" (Karádi Borbála) arrives at her new school, her one wish is to join it's choir. She befriends it's star singer "Liza" (Hais Dorottya) and goes to a rehearsal. It's after this that she is told by the teacher "Miss Erika" (Szamosi Zsófia) that in future it's best that she just mime along to the songs - she's not yet good enough to actually sing! Disconsolate, her friend soon realise that there is something amiss and after a few days of persistence finally finds out. At the next practise session the young "Liza" notices a little more than she is supposed to and with the competition looming, the choir decide it's time to make their presence felt. The acting from the girls and their teacher is engaging, and I did like the ending - it works really quite well in this charming and enjoyable story of teamwork with just a tiny hint of revenge!