Sweet Emma, Dear Böbe (Hungarian: Édes Emma, drága Böbe - vázlatok, aktok) is a 1992 Hungarian drama film co-written and directed by István Szabó. It was entered into the 42nd Berlin International Film Festival where it won the Silver Bear - Special Jury Prize. The film was selected as the Hungarian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 65th Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee.
Contents
Plot
After that Russian language had been removed from compulsory subjects of Hungarian schools the two Russian teachers, Emma and Böbe became redundant. The teaching staff also were shaken of insecurity, accusing each other. Emma and Böbe are learning English in the evenings. Emma also sells newspapers and she has an affair with the married school director, who is not too brave to decide. One of the best scenes of the film when Böbe and many naked women - teachers and nurses - are waiting for casting in a film studio. Böbe is acquainted with foreigners and she trades in foreign currencies. Böbe will be arrested and she finally jumps out of the window of the teachers' accommodation.
Cast
Johanna ter Steege as Emma
Enikö Börcsök as Böbe
Péter Andorai as Stefanics - Director
Éva Kerekes as Szundi
Ildikó Bánsági as Emma (voice)
Irma Patkós as Hermina
Erzsi Pásztor as Rózsa
Hédi Temessy as Mária
Irén Bódis as Emma's mother
Erzsi Gaál as Storekeeper
Zoltán Mucsi as Szilárd, Art teacher
Tamás Jordán as Szaglár Capt.
Gábor Máté as Officer
Analysis and reception
The film shows the political system's changes in Budapest. "Szabó's sensitive handling of the material culminates in a meditative passage in which Emma stands in church, musing on the 'passion for love' which masks lack of purpose. 'Collective sin' may be dead, according to Böbe, but this movingly delineates the private pain of atonement", commented Time Out.
Awards
1992 Berlin International Film Festival, Won Prize of the Ecumenical Jury - Special Mention, Competition- István Szabó
1992 Berlin International Film Festival, Silver Berlin Bear, Special Jury Prize- István Szabó
1992 European Film Award, Best Screenwriter- István Szabó