On Death Row

Synopsis

"On Death Row" (1990), originally titled "A halálraítélt," is a Hungarian drama directed by Péter Malcsiner that explores the harrowing psychological and emotional journey of a man condemned to death. The film delves deeply into the existential and moral complexities surrounding capital punishment, focusing on the personal struggles and reflections of the inmate as he confronts his fate. Through intense character development and a stark narrative, the movie examines themes of justice, redemption, and the human condition under extreme circumstances, offering a poignant commentary on the value of life and the consequences of society's decisions.

Cast

• Péter Malcsiner

  Gergö Ferenc

• 

  Gábor Máté

  Wágner Sándor

• Barbara Hegyi

  Payer Zsuzsa

• József Fonyó

• István Bubik

  Nagy Béla

• 

  Péter Dóczy

Reviews

Critically, "On Death Row" has garnered moderate praise for its thought-provoking approach and compelling performances, particularly highlighting the lead actor's portrayal of the condemned man. On IMDb, the film holds a 7.1/10 rating, indicating generally favorable audience reception. Critics have commended Péter Malcsiner's direction for maintaining a tense yet introspective atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged despite the film's heavy subject matter. However, some reviews note that the pacing may feel slow to certain audiences, and the film's bleak narrative might not appeal to those looking for lighter fare. Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic do not have aggregated critic scores for this film, likely due to its limited international release and niche subject, but retrospective assessments often acknowledge its significant contribution to Hungarian cinema and discussions about capital punishment. Overall, "On Death Row" is appreciated for its mature handling of morally complex themes and remains a noteworthy film for viewers interested in social and ethical issues portrayed through cinema.