Is That Lovely Green Grass Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1979)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

That Lovely Green Grass, a standout production of 1979, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Adventure, Family, Comedy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Misu is spending his summer holiday in an old block of flats in Budapest. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Adventure, Family, Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Misu is spending his summer holiday in an old block of flats in Budapest. The caretaker of the house, Poldi, a park attendant by occupation, is going to retire in a few days and he is afraid to think ahead of the years to come without grass and trees. An idea comes to Misu to spend the summer in an active way. He organises a working party to sod the inner court of the block of flats they live in. To achieve his plan, he has to make alliances with some people and to win the opponent to the idea, namely Kamilla, an insurance consultant. Their assistants in this mission will be the dustman and the coal deliverer and Piroska, a girl spending her holyday at Kamilla's."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, János Rajz delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Adventure acting at its most potent.

The direction by György Palásthy is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 81 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is That Lovely Green Grass truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Adventure, Family, Comedy, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 7.6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, That Lovely Green Grass explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1979 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and György Palásthy respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, That Lovely Green Grass is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of János Rajz or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, That Lovely Green Grass is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.