Peter in Wunderland (1987)
A Hungarian drama about desire, longing, and the elusive dream of escape, set against the backdrop of Budapest.
Peter in Wunderland - Movie Information
- Original Title: A szárnyas ügynök
- Release Year: 1987
- Directed by: Sándor Sőth
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 18m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Hungarian
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 6, 1987 (Hungary)
- Production Countries: Hungary
Peter in Wunderland - Plot
An agent arrives in Budapest. His mission is to report what people feel here. He meets Péter and Mari, later Ilona as well, who is the lover of Péter and just returned from Wunderland. Ilona longs for death, Péter for Wunderland, Mari for a constant sexual intercourse with the agent.
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Peter in Wunderland - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sándor Sőth
Main Cast
- Tamás Pajor
- Vali Kerekes
- Beatrice Manowski
- Gyula Pauer
- László Kistamás
Writers
- Sándor Sőth
- Géza Bereményi
Peter in Wunderland - FAQs
What is Peter in Wunderland about?
Peter in Wunderland follows a mysterious agent sent to Budapest to observe and report on what people feel. He encounters Péter, who dreams of escaping to a place called Wunderland, Mari, who desires the agent, and Ilona, Péter's lover who has just returned from Wunderland and longs for death.
What does Wunderland symbolize in the film?
Wunderland functions as a powerful symbol of escape and longing — a place beyond reach that characters either idealize or return from disillusioned. For Péter it represents hope and freedom, while Ilona's return from it brings only despair, suggesting that the dream of elsewhere can be more sustaining than the reality.
Who directed Peter in Wunderland?
Peter in Wunderland was directed by Sándor Sőth, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Géza Bereményi, a celebrated Hungarian screenwriter and filmmaker known for his literary sensibility and exploration of Hungarian social life.
Who are the main actors in Peter in Wunderland?
The film features Tamás Pajor, Vali Kerekes, Beatrice Manowski, Gyula Pauer, and László Kistamás in the leading roles, with László Kistamás playing the character of Péter, the man whose yearning for Wunderland drives much of the film's emotional core.
Is Peter in Wunderland based on a true story?
Peter in Wunderland is not based on a true story. It is an original dramatic work written by director Sándor Sőth and screenwriter Géza Bereményi. The film draws on allegorical and emotional themes rather than real events, using its Budapest setting to explore universal feelings of desire, longing, and disillusionment.
What is the role of the agent in the story?
The agent arrives in Budapest with a peculiar mission: to observe and report on what people feel. Rather than a conventional spy thriller, this premise becomes a lens for examining human desire and alienation. He is drawn into the lives of the characters, becoming entangled in their longings rather than remaining a detached observer.
How long is Peter in Wunderland?
Peter in Wunderland runs for 78 minutes, making it a concise and focused drama. Its relatively short runtime suits the film's intimate, character-driven tone, keeping the emotional atmosphere tightly wound without overstaying its welcome.
What are some films similar to Peter in Wunderland?
If Peter in Wunderland appeals to you, you might also enjoy Chéri (2009), Hungry Hearts (2015), Ashes in the Snow (2018), or The Young One (1960). These films share a similarly intimate, emotionally charged approach to desire, longing, and complex human relationships.
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