ESCAPE TO BUDA

Although the film version of "Escape to Buda" is based on the works of the classic Czech author Vladislav Vancura (1892-1942), the producers also touch upon the history of Central Europe in the period after the demise of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, and investigate the social, economic, and political consequences of the Empire's collapse. The film's authors and producers present the emotions, disappointments, and losses caused to the leading characters' circle of friends and relatives by life in contemporary Slovakia, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna. The old values are not valid any more, and the new rhythm of the new times presents new obstacles, new challenges, and new opportunities.

Through the love story between the Czech Jana and the Slovak Tomas, which is characterized by fiery love and rude awakenings, the authors aim to depict the positive and negative sides of the coexistence of two nations that are of kin to each other, and they also analyze the internal rhythms that characterize the lively and instinctive Central European scene today.

The story is centered on a sober middle-class family in Prague (the Myslbeks), which includes the widowed mother, her two married daughters (Alzbeta and Dora), their husbands (the shallow Nedbal and the successful and practical Brehm), and Jana, who is a university student. We witness the birth of a love affair between Jana and the stylish Tomas Barany, the son of a wealthy farmer from Turiec, and also the girl's clashes with her petty and despotic mother. The young couple spontaneously decide to flee to Buda, and this kicks off their fateful love story. In Budapest, Jana slowly and gradually shakes off the tensions she has accumulated during her years back home, and in their special environment the couple live through their most passionate moments. They get married, and then settle in Slovakia on the Tomas's family farm. Through their mutual respect and attraction, Jana and her energetic and lively father-in-law form a true and deep friendship. Meanwhile, Jana gradually loses her feelings towards her husband. The deterioration of their marriage coincides with the decline of the Tomas's estate, because Stefan, who was a successful landholder in the previous era, cannot adopt to the fast-paced environment of the new world. The family decides to move to Vienna. However, this also backfires on them as Vienna is still struggling with the consequences of the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. As a last resort, the family returns to Prague, where Brehm, their enterprising brother-in-law, offers his help. This, again, leads to further conflicts and difficulties. Their marriage collapses as a result of the Czech way of life and also because of Tomas's infidelity, and the man loses perspective and breaks down. Meanwhile, Jana, who has to live through a series of disappointments, finds a valuable ally for herself. Her tribulations transform her into a woman of exceptional beauty...