FreedomsFury.Net

SYNOPSIS


"Freedom's Fury" is a powerful feature documentary about the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and the "Bloodiest Game in Olympic History." In this hard-hitting film, the story is finally told about the fateful fall in 1956 when Hungary exploded in a people power revolt and climaxes with the infamous waterpolo showdown between Hungary and the Soviet Union at the Melbourne Olympics. Now known as the "Blood in the Water Match," the documentary follows the story of the young star of the Hungarian Olympic waterpolo team, Ervin Zador, who finds himself the unwitting focal point of one of the most politicized sports matches ever played.




In "Freedom's Fury," the history of the brutal Soviet occupation of this small, Eastern European nation at the end of World War Two is interwoven with the history of Hungary's emergence as a an international waterpolo powerhouse at this time. The journey of Zador and the 1956 Hungarian waterpolo team to the Melbourne Olympics then becomes the film's through-line as "Freedom's Fury" explores the larger human tragedy of a popular, democratic uprising that is brutally crushed by the Soviet Red Army in November 1956, just two weeks before the Olympics begin in Australia (over 15,000 people were killed or executed).

As the film builds to its emotional climax, we are introduced to the politician, Imre Nagy, who leads Hungary in its ill-fated show-down with the Soviet Union in the streets of Budapest. Nagy becomes the enduring symbol of Hungarian freedom and independence after he is arrested and executed for leading Hungary's brief attempt at independence. Zador then becomes the poignant hero of the most famous match ever played in waterpolo when his eye is split open by a Russian sucker punch at the end of the hard fought semi-final match. Zador and half his teammates then decide to defect after the Olympics rather than return to the oppression in their homeland.

In the final act, the film shows how the Hungarian Revolution becomes an enduring symbol of freedom for oppressed people in all lands and directly impacts the total collapse of communism in 1989. "Freedom's Fury" then plays witness to an historic and emotional reunion in the summer of 2002 as Zador returns to Budapest with all 8 surviving members of the Hungarian 1956 team, as well as the surviving Russian players. For the first time since their epic semi-final showdown nearly 50 years earlier, the players reconnect and reminisce. "Freedom's Fury" ends with a provocative exploration of the struggle for freedom in today's turbulent, post 9-11 world and concludes with a lasting image of hope for these uncertain times.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Soviet
• waterpolo
• hungarian
• Zador
• 1956
• Australia
• Olympics
• European

[qwermklp86]

I am hungarian and I was only 12 years old when I looked

this movie, but I think this is the best history movie.

THE HUNGARIAN WATER POLO TEAM IS THE BEST!! HAJRÁ MAGYAROK!!

[naszerx]

yes THE HUNGARIAN TEAM IS THE BEST

[wojbert]

To our biggest frinds Hungarians . YOU ARE THE HERO. The best wishes , and respect for your freedom fighting in 1956 /. Poles.

[NotgivenupSTI]

This guy was my swim coach...I hope he is doing well.

[mancsa1025]

Have you ever been to Hungary?Have you ever met a Hungarian?You should ask before you speak!

[kristinaonoxious4]

this is on my friends computer so yea

[kristinaonoxious4]

dude ervin zador is my grandpa haha in your face

[Yozanace]

You're right! Last year I watched this docu with my students in English class. I still remember the silence and the amazement of the kids. A truly moving story.

[fchatvan]

you're lucky, he was a great sportman!

a hungarian

[10588]

ervin zador is my swimm coach !!

[orsolyak]

it is a really great movie ! i watched it yesterday.