"We only think when we are confronted with problems". This quotation by one of America's leading philosophers John Dewey aptly describes the plight of this film's young protagonists when they find themselves gaping into the huge hole of emotional impasse after the sudden disappearance of one of their close friends. Sodrásban/Current begins in an extremely light manner with scenes of fun, frolic and pranks. At the heart of the film is the fate of a weak person who is either underrepresented or his voice is brutally suppressed. It does not matter whether he is dead or alive. This is what happens to a student Gabi and his hapless grand-mother when they are slighted by his affluent friends. In many ways, Istvan Gaal tackles the general feelings and moods of Hungarian youngsters who were finding it difficult to grow in a post world war II Hungary. Death or the sudden disappearance of a friend is a bitter experience for anybody. However, it becomes unbearable when the loss is caused due to negligence. In Sodrásban/Current it gives rise to long periods of self evaluation, assessment of one's life especially in regards to one's association with a fellow human being. Lastly, film critic Lalit Rao discussed Sodrásban in detail with Mr.Istvan Gaal when they met at New Delhi during 33rd International Film Festival of India 2002.
7.4Keywords: hungary
Plot summary
A hot summer day six young men and two young women meet at the beach beside a deep river. After a while they go for a swim. At a point where the river is 8 meters deep, one of the boys gets the idea of diving to the bottom, and to bring up a handful of clay as a proof of the feat. The others follow his example. Back on dry land one of the girls suddenly wonders where Gabi is. When they figure out that no one has seen him coming up from the river, they get worried. Gabi's clothes are still on the beach, and they start searching for him along the banks and in the water. Finally they have to call the police, who start dragging the river. The corpse isn't found, and the following days Gabi's friends display different reactions to the loss. Some had unsettled matters with him, which now never can be solved. Some have already started to forget his face. At the third day the body is found. Summer is gone, and the circle of friends disbands. Some go to a bigger city for studies, while others have to stay in the small town and work. Left alone in inconsolable grief is Gabi's grandmother. Gabi's father died a long time ago, and now she has lost also her grandson, her only remaining support and joy in life.
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