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My Twentieth Century (1989)

1989 • 1h 42m • Drama, Comedy
On October 4, 2026
#53847
53847th by Pulse movie online
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CinemaSerf on My Twentieth Century

7/10 · Aug 12, 2024

Dorota Segda delivers some diverting performances in this pleasant thriller centered on the divergent lives of two orphaned siblings introduced as children attempting to sell matches during a snowy Budapest winter. These identical twins, named "Dóra" and "Lili," were born at the moment Thomas Edison first displayed his light bulb. They share a strong bond until they are separated – against their will – with one finding herself on a more fortunate path while the other experiences a tougher journey to adulthood. Despite these differences, both possess a remarkable ability to adapt quickly. “Dóra” enjoys conning wealthy and aristocratic individuals who are captivated by her allure and attractiveness; "Lili," conversely, despises that privileged social structure and is prepared to use explosives to dismantle it. Years later, the sisters unexpectedly find themselves together on the Orient Express, facilitated by the mysterious "Z" (Oleg Yankovskiy), and what follows is a rather lighthearted exploration of sibling reconnection through an indirect process! I detected echoes of von Sternberg in the film’s subtle visuals; the black-and-white cinematography alternately emphasizes the characters' fragility and then draws out their mischievousness. The script doesn’t contain much dialogue, but it does offer commentary on a society divided between those who have and those who don’t, as well as those who profit from exploiting the vanity (or desires) of people attempting to appear refined. Initially, the story might seem somewhat disorganized, but I felt that director Ildikó Enyedi skillfully brought all the elements into alignment.

Source on TMDB