And the Puszta Gleams: A strange little trip to Hungary

Is it worth your time?

Honestly, it depends on how much you like watching black-and-white movies where everyone seems to be having a much better time than you are. If you’re a fan of old-school European comedies or just want something that feels like a dusty postcard from the 1930s, you’ll probably find something to love here. If you need a plot that moves faster than a tractor in neutral, stay far away.

The film doesn't try to change the world. It’s just trying to capture the feeling of the Hungarian plains—the Puszta—where life moves at its own pace. It’s a lot like The Merry-Go-Round in its simple, folksy charm, though it lacks that one’s sharper bite.

Odd little observations

There is a scene midway through involving a goat that I am still trying to figure out. It feels completely disconnected from the rest of the narrative, like the director just let the animal wander onto the set and decided to keep the footage because he liked the way the goat looked at the camera. It’s weird, but I kind of respect it.

The costumes are surprisingly vibrant for a movie this old. You can tell they put a lot of work into the folk patterns. Even if the story starts to drag—and it definitely drags in the second act—at least there is always a fancy hat or a textured vest to look at.

Sometimes the actors pause for just a beat too long before delivering their punchlines. It’s like they’re waiting for an audience to laugh, but the laughter never quite arrives. It makes the silence feel a bit heavy, almost melancholy, even when the scene is supposed to be funny. 🤠

It’s not as polished as some of the other stuff coming out of that era, like The Saleslady, but that’s fine. It feels like a home movie that got a budget. You can see the seams. You can see the extras in the background looking for the craft services table.

There's a moment where the dialogue gets so rapid-fire that I had to rewind twice to keep up. I’m not sure if it’s the writing or just my ears not being used to the rhythm, but it’s a fun little jolt of energy in an otherwise sleepy movie. Don't go looking for deep themes. You won't find them here. It’s just a bit of sunshine and some folks shouting at each other in the mud.

I think I liked the parts where nobody was talking the most. The wide shots of the plains really do have a way of making you feel small. It’s a nice break from the constant chatter of the main cast. 🌾