directed by Szabolcs Hajdu , sport drama, 101 min, eng subtitles
with Zoltán Miklós Hajdu, Orion Radies, Silas Radies, Gheorghe Dinica
Having suffered as a boy under a brutal Communist-era coach, champion Hungarian gymnast Miklós moves to Canada years later in search of a new start--only to find himself unwittingly perpetuating the very same cycle of abuse among his own pupils. Redemption appears in the unlikely form of Kyle, a troubled, young Canadian teen with the potential to become a world champion. The friendship and rivalry between teacher and student--each played by actual gymnasts--forms the basis of this gripping, resonant sports drama.
This extraordinarily shot film was inspired by the life of the director's own brother, Zoltán Miklós Hajdu, who also plays the main character.
Awards:
Cannes IFF 2006 (Directors' Fortnight selection)
Hungarian Film Week 2006 (Best Director, Audience Award, Best Producers, Best Editing, Gene Moskowitz Award)
EFA 2006 (selection)