Uomini della montagna

Made in Hungary in 1942 by István Szöts, this was banned as being 'Communist propaganda' by Joseph Goebbels – yet still managed to win awards. It tells the simple story of a woodcutter living in the Alps of Transylvania with his wife and small son. They seem to live in an idyll where they carve an existence from nature but are happy in so doing – living in harmony with all that surrounds them. Then a lumber business turns up and says it now owns all the land and they have to leave or pay exorbitant rents.

He chooses to work for the lumber company, but the Manager has an eye on his wife and intends to have what he wants. Thus will be set in motion a train of events more far reaching than any could have foreseen.

Now this was shot mostly on location and often in the harshest of conditions. He used mostly non actors to aim for authenticity and I think he has pretty much nailed it. This is a slow tale though and as I said is simple. It is also part social commentary, part eco awareness and a truly moving tale of love. It is also beautifully shot in black and white and is engaging almost from the first scene. It was restored in 2014 and it is so good that it was. This is part of our collective history – both cinematic and actual and also a true work of art.