A revizor (1989)
A sharp Hungarian adaptation of Gogol's timeless satire, where fear of authority turns a penniless fraud into the most powerful man in town.
A revizor - Movie Information
- Original Title: A revizor
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Gábor Zsámbéki
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Original Language: Hungarian
- Spoken Languages: Hungarian
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 29, 1989 (Hungary)
- Production Companies: Budapest Film
- Production Countries: Hungary
A revizor - Plot
The corrupt leaders of a small rural town learn that an auditor is coming from St Petersburg. Frightened, they try to put things in order. Hlesztakov, a Petersburg official, has been starving for days in his inn in the small town, having gambled away all his money and no credit. In a misunderstanding and a bit of backstabbing, the town's corrupt leaders mistake him for an auditor. The bureau chiefs are watching his every move, and the mayor's daughter is a hit. When he leaves, the whole town celebrates and expects him back for a wedding. But a letter reveals the fraud, and at the same time the real auditor arrives.
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A revizor - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gábor Zsámbéki
Main Cast
- Péter Blaskó
- Juli Básti
- Krisztina Szalai
- Kornél Gelley
- Éva Olsavszky
- Vajda László
- Géza Balkay
- Rajhona Ádám
- Tamás Végvári
- László Szacsvay
A revizor - FAQs
Is A revizor based on a true story?
A revizor is not based on a true story. It is a film adaptation of Nikolai Gogol's celebrated 1836 satirical play The Government Inspector, a fictional comedy that skewers bureaucratic corruption and small-town hypocrisy in Tsarist Russia. Gogol's play has been widely adapted across theatre and cinema for nearly two centuries.
What is A revizor about?
A revizor follows the corrupt officials of a small Hungarian town who panic upon hearing a government auditor is on his way. They mistakenly identify Hlesztakov, a broke Petersburg clerk stranded at a local inn, as the feared inspector. Chaos, flattery, and bribery ensue before the truth comes crashing down.
Who directed A revizor?
A revizor was directed by Gábor Zsámbéki, a prominent Hungarian theatre and film director known for his sharp, stage-rooted approach to storytelling. Zsámbéki brought Gogol's classic satirical comedy to the screen with a distinctly theatrical sensibility, drawing on Hungary's rich tradition of literary adaptation.
Who are the main actors in A revizor?
The film features a strong ensemble cast including Péter Blaskó as the mayor, Juli Básti as his wife, Krisztina Szalai as his daughter, and János Bán as the hapless Hlesztakov. Supporting roles are filled by Kornél Gelley, Éva Olsavszky, Géza Balkay, Rajhona Ádám, Tamás Végvári, and László Szacsvay.
What is the ending of A revizor explained?
The film ends with a double blow to the town's corrupt officials. A letter Hlesztakov sent to a friend reveals he was never an auditor at all — just a penniless fraud who played along. Moments later, the real government inspector arrives, leaving the entire town frozen in stunned, humiliating silence.
When was A revizor released?
A revizor was released on June 29, 1989, in Hungary. The film arrived during a pivotal moment in Hungarian cultural history, just months before the country's transition away from communist rule, lending Gogol's satire on corrupt officialdom a particularly resonant contemporary edge for local audiences.
What genre is A revizor?
A revizor is classified as a drama, though it carries the sharp satirical wit and comedic underpinning of Gogol's original play. The film blends dark humor with social critique, exposing the absurdity of bureaucratic corruption and the lengths to which frightened officials will go to protect their own interests.
What are some movies similar to A revizor?
If you enjoyed A revizor's blend of social satire and character-driven drama, you might also appreciate Wicked Little Letters (2024), Rogue Agent (2022), and Train Dreams (2025). These films share themes of deception, human folly, and the tension between public persona and private reality.
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