The film Magyar Passio (2021) is set in 1950 in Hungary, shortly after World War II, when the country came under Soviet influence. It is a drama set in 1950s Hungary, when the communist regime systematically persecuted the Church and the Christian faith.

The story follows Franciscan Father Leopold and his fellow friars as they strive to revive the Catholic faith in a country where the atheist-led communist regime is waging a harsh campaign against the Church and attempting to break the people’s faith.

At first, the communists pretend that the Church’s activities do not bother them. However, the situation quickly changes when Father Leopold is arrested on trumped-up charges and subjected to brutal torture in an attempt to force him to confess his guilt.

Leopold’s former student, Lieutenant Keller—who has turned his back on God—is also involved in Leopold’s arrest and torture. Instead of trusting in Christ, he now trusts in the socialist system. On the orders of military officer Fyodorov, Keller is tasked with extracting a confession from Leopold.

Despite the cruelty, Father Leopold steadfastly resists, and his resilience changes the course of events around him. The film depicts the struggle for faith and spiritual freedom during the difficult times of communist oppression, not only in Hungary.

Drama / Historical

Hungary, 2021, 91 min

Cast: Károly Eperjes;

Crew: Sándor Almási, Péter Krisztián Andorai, Anna Bede Fazekas, Magor Bucz, Angéla Császár, Iván Dengyel, Mátyás Dráfi, Tamás Farkas, Tamás Gál;

Parents’ Guide:

A story about the rape of nuns. One scene featuring a woman with a low-cut top. Violence and torture against priests. One scene in which nails are driven into a monk’s hands. Frequent smoking and drinking.

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