Review: Bursting with Imagery, 'My 20th Century' is An Appreciation of Existence

Hungarian filmmaker Ildik� Enyedi has garnered acclaim from many of the world's most prestigious film festivals, including winning the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival with her "On Body and Soul." Years before that, though, she won the Camera d'Or for her whimsical and erotic treatise titled "My 20th Century." The new 4K restoration prepared by the Hungarian Film Fund is now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber and their Kino Classics label, with an excellent audio and video transfer.

For a film that feels so much like a fairy tale, all of the action is informed by the industrialism rising up around the characters. The story may be about forward progression amidst the revolution that Thomas Edison's inventions brought to the world, but the course is set for disaster. It's incredible to see Enyedi's first narrative feature, for it's still a strong thematic piece that breaks conventional narrative rules of filmmaking in ways that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

"My 20th Century" opens in Menlo Park, New Jersey, in 1880 with Thomas Edison demonstrating his invention of electric lights. Rather than look out over on the crowd - which is focused on calling Edison's work a triumph - Edison looks up toward the stars, longing for something that will never be within reach. On the other side of the world, a mother gives birth to twin girls. Lili and D�ra, both played by Polish actress Dorotha Segda, are separated as young girls, but destiny has other plans when they both find themselves on the Orient Express. Lili, now being an anarchist, is on the train heading right toward her next job – the assassination of a Hungarian politician. D�ra is a prostitute of sorts, relying of gifts from her suitors and seducing every man that crosses her path.

At its core, "My 20th Century" plays as an appreciation of existence, getting drunk off of images both political and not, and erotic and not. It's a celebration of a world driven and shaped by invention, but it recognizes that the wiles of man will inevitably bring destruction.

Illustrating this are the two sisters at opposite ends of the spectrum. Lili uses physical violence to revolt against those who suppress and weaponize her femininity against her. D�ra, on the other hand, uses her feminine power to lure men in. It's a dichotomy that Enyedi clearly revels in playing around with, as much of the story is done with the kind of wit and irony befitting a satire.

Kino Lorber's new Blu-ray release of "My 20th Century" is simply stunning, and gives this film the proper showcase it deserves. Enyedi is a strong cinematic voice that I can't wait to hear more from. This film, in particular, serves as an ephemeral rush of sorts, slowly making the viewer more and more intoxicated with each moment. There's also a terrific interview with Enyedi by filmmaker Peter Strickland included that's absolutely worth watching. Other special features include:

� Introduction by director Ildik� Enyedi

� Audio commentary with Enyedi and DP Tibor Mathe (Hungarian with optional English subtitles)

� Booklet essay by curator and writer Dorota Lech

"My 20th Century"
Kino Lorber Blu-ray
$29.95
https://www.kinolorber.com/product/my-20th-century-blu-ray