Don't Cry, Pretty Girls! (1970)1970 May 2026

The story follows (Jaroslava Schallerová), a young woman in the Eastern Bloc who spends her tedious days working in a factory. On the eve of her arranged marriage to a fellow factory worker, she attempts a final act of independence by running away with a touring rock band. Her journey serves as a vehicle for Mészáros to explore themes of personal freedom and the specific "freedom of choice" available to women in a conservative society. The Role of Music

Critics highlight the film's and focus on intimate portraiture—often using close-ups of faces to convey emotion where words are absent. While some reviews suggest it is less focused than Mészáros' later masterpieces like Adoption , it is regarded as a vital socio-historical document that captures the "youthquake" and the aimless, yet vibrant, lives of factory workers in post-1968 Hungary. Don't Cry, Pretty Girls! (1970)1970

A new 2K digital restoration was recently approved by Mészáros and released via Janus Films . Synopsis & Narrative Focus The story follows (Jaroslava Schallerová), a young woman

The film is often described as a "proto-music video" or a Hungarian response to A Hard Day's Night . It features performances and a soundtrack by legendary Hungarian Beat and psych-folk bands of the era, including: Kex Syrius Critical Reception & Style The Role of Music Critics highlight the film's