As a film-going population, especially those of us who have a bit more of a critical eye when approaching art, cinema is most celebrated when it is ambitious and unexpected, showing an originality that allows it to stake its claim as something that has never been done before, or at least not done in that particular way. However, there is a considerable level of respect reserved for films that may not be entirely unique, or have anything original to say, but rather stays within the confines of a particular set of traditions, using this platform to instead tell a moving story that may not be original, but at least entertains and enthrals the audience. We see this most commonly in romance films – there are only so many ways to portray a love story before the same ideas and conventions begin to come into play, so it’s rare to find an entirely bespoke romantic drama, especially in previous generations. Zoltán Fábri wasn’t aiming for anything particularly new when he made Merry-Go-Round (Hungarian: Körhinta), a cherished classic of his national cinema that has become quite a canonical entry into Hungary’s film culture, but he certainly understood the components of the genre that made his films so endearing. A very traditional drama that is brimming with a romanticism that allows it to overcome any narrative shortcomings that it may suffer as a consequence of not being the most original film produced on its subject matter. Charming, heartfelt and designed with such an authentic set of emotions, Merry-Go-Round is a lovely film that understands the constraints of the genre, and is willing to go in search of something deeper for the sake of making every sensation it evokes all the more genuine.

Romantic dramas are a dime a dozen, and Merry-Go-Round doesn’t seem to be doing too much to change perceptions in this regard. It certainly isn’t aided by the fact that the specific storyline isn’t all that original either, since it centres on a young couple who fall madly in love, but find themselves torn apart by factors beyond their control, since they live on radically different social strata, with one of them coming from a family that has always had aspirations that they will marry off their daughter to a wealthy family so they can gain affluence as a result of being associated with the high-society. This working-class manifesto is clearly inspired by the blueprint set down by William Shakespeare and his timeless story of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, but remains far less tragic and actually has something of a happy ending, even if the journey there is a lot more challenging than we’d expect. Fábri had his work cut out for him when it came to adapting the short story by Imre Sarkadi, and while the final product may not be entirely free of problems, as well as featuring a narrative structure we have all encountered before. Yet, it more than makes up for these shortcomings with a sense of quiet resilience, and a soaring portrayal of romance that is so genuinely moving, we can easily forgive the fact that we’ve seen this done many times before. There’s a certain elusive quality about this film that keeps us engaged, even when it is slightly more derivative – and by the time those beautiful final moments appear on our screens, we’ve more than forgotten the minor issues that exist around it.

What does separate Merry-Go-Round from other films that tell similar stories is how it gives invaluable insights into everyday life in mid-century Hungary. Outside of the national cinema, Hungarian culture hasn’t been given the exposure it perhaps deserves – not one of the most notable film industries on a global scale, there are still some wonderful gems hidden just out of sight if we are willing to look, such as the film we’re discussing today. Community plays a vital role in this film – the entire story is centred around very traditional values coming into contact with modern sensibilities, with capitalistic aspirations conflicting with the simple, pastoral life that many of these people at this time were experiencing. The two disparate concepts intermingle in very interesting ways, and produce a rousing portrait of a time and place that we can’t really understand through the lens of anyone other than an artist who has experienced it himself. If there is any value in Merry-Go-Round, it is that it offers invaluable insights into the trials and tribulations of the working class, and how they were caught between following the traditions they were conditioned to believe are sacrosanct, and the growing sense that they can aspire to more. However, this is a case of a story where the old way of life is highly-favoured, the simpler existence that is populated by the salt-of-the-earth individuals who will always choose the more straightforward method of living their lives long before they accept the winds of change that are inevitably going to change their culture. There is value in holding onto traditions, even if it is through foregoing the march of time, which is perhaps the most potent message conveyed in this otherwise delightful and effervescent romance about ordinary people trying to find their place in a rapidly changing world.

There is an atmosphere of importance that comes alongside Merry-Go-Round – part of it comes from the fact that it is written and directed by one of Hungary’s most prominent directors in the form of Zoltán Fábri, who is one of the country’s preeminent artists. The female lead is played by Mari Töröcsik, who is regularly considered one of the greatest actresses to hail from the country (even if she didn’t quite make much of an impression in her few forays out of it), and the story itself is deeply ingrained in the cultural nuances, giving viewers the chance to explore the country’s traditions in a way that is both compelling and incredibly insightful. Even at its most simplistic, there is a wonderfully unique quality to this film that simply can’t be oversold, a tendency towards presenting us with a very plain narrative that harbours deep and valuable glimpses into the social and political structure that dominated at the time, and which continue to form the foundation of society, even as time as moved on. A beautiful time-capsule that captures the spirit of a culture distant in the collective memory, but preserved wonderfully through this intricate love story that knows exactly what matters, even when it isn’t entirely clear from the surface-level premise. Gripping, romantic and deeply moving, Merry-Go-Round is a charming love story that serves to show us that, in the end, all that matters is following one’s heart and doing what they feel is right for their future, regardless of social constraints.