Paralleling the dramatic student protests and riots that were exploding across the world in the 1960s at the time the film was made, The Confrontation is a story of protest and rebellion. Set in 1947 Hungary when the Communist Party have just taken power, dancing, singing Communist students debate Catholic seminary students at a People’s college, all the while worrying their words will escalate into a fight.

Jancsó’s first color film is a virtuoso display by a director at the peak of his powers. The film eloquently explores the complex issues and inherent problems of revolutionary democracy, and was set to compete in the famously cancelled Cannes 1968.

Restored in 4K from its original 35mm camera negative by National Film Institute Hungary – Film Archive

“Jancsó’s blend of Christian messianism and communism unfolds in splendid color via a unique cinematographic handling of space. Thus, squares and staircases, momuments and open fields turn to stages of folklore choreography, while issues such the charismatic leadership, revolution and violence, content’s primacy over form occupy shot interstices during the elegant character movement, its euphoria and disillusionment.” – dionysus67, mubi