Fateless (2005)

Set against the brutal backdrop of World War II, Fateless (2005) is an evocative journey into the heart of a war-ravaged Budapest, tracing the coming-of-age story of a Hungarian youth, György Köves. A mere 14 years old, György's world is shattered when his father, a humble merchant, is hauled off to a forced labor camp. Left behind, György attempts to navigate the grim realities of war, landing a job at a brickyard. His life takes a ghastly turn when his bus is intercepted, and its Jewish occupants, him included, are forcibly sent off to concentration camps. In the harsh confines of Buchenwald, György is plunged into an abyss of suffering, cruelty, and death, swiftly stripping him of his innocence. Yet amid the bleakness, he uncovers the essence of camaraderie, sympathy, and a remarkable resilience of the human spirit. His lessons on preserving dignity, self-esteem, and the unyielding human will to survive resonate profoundly, even as he grapples with the pervasive hatred that surrounds him. Presented in alternating hues of sepia, black and white, and color, the film paints a poignant portrait of György's life, highlighting the stark contrast between the horrors of war and the enduring human spirit. As he teeters on the edge of survival, questions linger - what will be left of his beloved Budapest, should he survive the ordeal? What does it mean to be 'natural,' and what does it signify to be a Jew in such tumultuous times? The exploration of these profound questions forms the crux of Fateless, a compelling cinematic experience that's as haunting as it is thought-provoking.

Fateless is a drama movie featuring Marcell Nagy and directed by Lajos Koltai.

Fateless is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Plex, Plex Player, Shout! Factory TV and Tubi TV.