Kontroll


1h 46m 2004

Brief Synopsis

The Budapest subway system, the world's second oldest, is a dark, labyrinthine netherworld as vast and various as the city above it. Of the hordes of people who can be found there, most are passing through on their ways to better, brighter places. But, there are those who spend most of their lives u

Film Details

Also Known As
Control
MPAA Rating
Genre
Action
Foreign
Thriller
Release Date
2004
Production Company
Budapest Film
Distribution Company
MAGYAR FILMUNIO/THINKFILM; ThinkFilm; Fidalgo; Filmladen Gmbh; Gulf Film, Llc; Institute Of Contemporary Arts (ICA); Thinkfilm; Thinkfilm
Location
Budapest, Hungary

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 46m

Synopsis

The Budapest subway system, the world's second oldest, is a dark, labyrinthine netherworld as vast and various as the city above it. Of the hordes of people who can be found there, most are passing through on their ways to better, brighter places. But, there are those who spend most of their lives underground--the beleaguered ticket inspectors or "controllers," who are assigned in teams to various sections of the system, and whose thankless job it is to ensure that no passengers ride without paying. Bulcsu, the defacto leader of one such inspection squad, is in his late twenties. Working with an eclectic and especially disheveled bunch, Bulcsu is assigned to the least savory and safe area of the underground. Sequestered in subterranean squalor, these men find that night has become indistinguishable from day and that living has become almost indistinguishable from dying. Most of the inspectors live this way without care or question. But Bulcsu is clearly a breed apart. No one knows much of anything about him or his way of life away from the job. From time to time he runs into someone he used to know from above ground. When this happens, Bulcsu either avoids contact or lies about his current occupation. Then, in the wee hours of the morning, when his shift is over, he finds a secluded platform far away from everyone and everything and goes to sleep. Bulcsu and his mates do their job, albeit halfheartedly, and inspect tickets. A rival group of inspectors, all slick and polished, compete with them for better placement and perks. Bulcsu and his cronies cannot compete on the job, but find ways to get even after hours. Then, as always, there appears a beautiful, mysterious young woman, Sofie with whom Bulcsu falls instantly in love. And, as always, there is danger--here, in the form of a shadowy killer who appears out of nowhere and pushes unsuspecting passengers under the relentless wheels of oncoming trains. Because Bulcsu never goes home, he becomes a suspect in these slayings. Having fallen for Sofie, Bulcsu finds that life once again has meaning. But, with the authorities and a killer at his heels, there is only one way out: he himself must apprehend the man in the shadows, the demon who haunts this underworld.

Film Details

Also Known As
Control
MPAA Rating
Genre
Action
Foreign
Thriller
Release Date
2004
Production Company
Budapest Film
Distribution Company
MAGYAR FILMUNIO/THINKFILM; ThinkFilm; Fidalgo; Filmladen Gmbh; Gulf Film, Llc; Institute Of Contemporary Arts (ICA); Thinkfilm; Thinkfilm
Location
Budapest, Hungary

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 46m

Quotes

Trivia

Miscellaneous Notes

Released in United States 2005

Released in United States April 22, 2005

Released in United States March 2005

Released in United States May 2004

Released in United States November 2004

Released in United States on Video August 30, 2005

Released in United States September 2004

Released in United States Spring April 1, 2005

Shown at Cannes Film Festival (Un Certain Regard) May 12-23, 2004.

Shown at New Directors/New Films Series at the Film Society of Lincoln Center March 23-April 3, 2005.

Shown at Santa Barbara International Film Festival January 28-February 6, 2005.

Shown at South by Southwest Film Festival March 11-19, 2005.

Shown at Telluride Film Festival September 3-6, 2004.

Directorial debut for Nimrod Antal.

Released in United States 2005 (Shown at New Directors/New Films Series at the Film Society of Lincoln Center March 23-April 3, 2005.)

Released in United States 2005 (Shown at Santa Barbara International Film Festival January 28-February 6, 2005.)

Released in United States March 2005 (Shown at South by Southwest Film Festival March 11-19, 2005.)

Released in United States Spring April 1, 2005 (NY)

Released in United States April 22, 2005 (Los Angeles)

Released in United States May 2004 (Shown at Cannes Film Festival (Un Certain Regard) May 12-23, 2004.)

Released in United States on Video August 30, 2005

Released in United States September 2004 (Shown at Telluride Film Festival September 3-6, 2004.)

Released in United States November 2004 (Shown at AFI/Los Angeles International Film Festival (European Showcase) November 4-14, 2004.)