Búzavirág: A charming, dusty look at old-school class clashes

Is it worth your time?

If you have a soft spot for pre-war European comedies that move with a quick, nervous energy, then yes. Watch it. If you need your movies to have high-definition polish or a plot that isn't built on a foundation of 1930s social etiquette, you'll probably find this one a bit exhausting.

It’s not trying to be Manhattan Melodrama. It’s much smaller, quieter, and feels like it was filmed in someone’s living room.

The rhythm of the thing

There’s a specific kind of frantic pace to these old films that I really dig. The characters talk over each other, not because of bad sound editing, but because they’re all trying to prove something. Mariska Vízváry commands every room she steps into, even when she’s just pouring tea. It’s a masterclass in holding a frame without actually saying a word.

The scene where the shop girl is introduced to the 'high life' feels weirdly authentic. You can almost see the gears turning in the extras' heads. They’re supposed to be fancy, but they look like they’re just waiting for their coffee break. It’s a nice touch of reality that wasn't intended.

Odd moments that stuck

• The lighting in the second act is surprisingly moody for a comedy.
• I’m pretty sure one of the side characters is just trying not to laugh in the background of the dinner party scene.
• The way Antal Páger holds his hat—like he’s scared it’ll fly away—is hilarious.

I kept thinking about how much of this reminded me of the lighter moments in Lábios Sem beijos. There's that same sense of longing wrapped up in a silly premise. It isn't a masterpiece, but it’s alive in a way that feels rare now. The ending happens so fast you’ll get whiplash. It’s not a wrap-up; it’s just a full stop. ☕️

Don't expect a profound lesson here. Just enjoy the crackle of the film and the way everyone seems to be having a slightly different version of the same conversation.