The Book of Esther (1989)
A Hungarian wartime drama about love, sacrifice, and an impossible choice made in the shadow of the Gestapo.
The Book of Esther - Movie Information
- Original Title: Eszterkönyv
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Krisztina Deák
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Hungarian
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1989 (Hungary)
- Production Countries: Hungary
The Book of Esther - Plot
During World War II Eszter has to choose: she either follows her husband abroad, who is chased by the Gestapo or stays with her daughter from her first marriage.
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The Book of Esther - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Krisztina Deák
Main Cast
- Eszter Nagy-Kálózy
- András Bálint
- Károly Eperjes
- Can Togay
- Mari Törőcsik
- Enikő Eszenyi
The Book of Esther - FAQs
Where can you watch The Book of Esther online?
Streaming availability for The Book of Esther varies by region and platform. You can check the most up-to-date viewing options, including any rental, purchase, or subscription services currently carrying the film, by visiting its JustWatch page for a full regional breakdown.
What is The Book of Esther about?
Set during World War II, the film follows Eszter, a woman torn between two devastating choices: fleeing abroad with her husband, who is being hunted by the Gestapo, or remaining behind to care for her daughter from a previous marriage. It is a deeply personal wartime drama about sacrifice and love.
Who directed The Book of Esther?
The Book of Esther was directed by Krisztina Deák, a Hungarian filmmaker. The 1989 film stands as a notable work in Hungarian cinema, distinguished by its intimate portrayal of a woman navigating impossible moral choices against the backdrop of the Second World War.
Who are the main actors in The Book of Esther?
The film stars Eszter Nagy-Kálózy in the lead role, supported by András Bálint, Károly Eperjes, Can Togay, the acclaimed Hungarian actress Mari Törőcsik, and Enikő Eszenyi. The ensemble brings considerable depth to this emotionally charged wartime story.
When was The Book of Esther released?
The Book of Esther was released on January 1, 1989, in Hungary. The film is a Hungarian-language production set during World War II and represents an important entry in late-1980s Hungarian dramatic cinema.
Is The Book of Esther based on a true story?
The Book of Esther does not appear to be based on a specific documented true story. However, its wartime setting and the moral dilemmas it depicts reflect real historical conditions faced by many families in Hungary during the Nazi occupation and Gestapo persecution of the Second World War.
What language is The Book of Esther in?
The Book of Esther is spoken in Hungarian. It is a Hungarian production released in 1989, and viewers watching outside Hungary will typically require subtitles to follow the dialogue of this wartime drama.
How long is The Book of Esther?
The Book of Esther has a runtime of 84 minutes, or 1 hour and 24 minutes. Its relatively compact length allows the film to maintain a focused, intimate tension as it traces Eszter's agonizing wartime dilemma without unnecessary digression.
More About The Book of Esther
Explore further details and official listings for this Hungarian wartime drama.