Watch Starting Over in America: The Story of the Hungarian 56ers

Starting Over in America: The Story of the Hungarian 56ers is a 2003 historical documentary that narrates the story of Hungarian refugees who fled the violent suppression of their 1956 revolution against communism. Directed by Peter Forgacs, the film depicts the personal struggles and triumphs of immigrants who faced enormous challenges as they settled in the United States of America.

The documentary begins with a brief historical overview of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and the Soviet Union's brutal crackdown, which caused over 200,000 Hungarians to flee their country. The 56ers, as they are called, were mostly young, educated, and skilled professionals, who left behind their families, friends, homes, and careers to start anew in America. The film's interviewees include many of these refugees and their families, who share their memories, reflections, and emotions, both positive and negative, about the journey of starting over.

One of the central figures of the film is Frank Gati, a Hungarian expat and entrepreneur who founded the Hungarian-American Enterprise Fund. Gati narrates the story of his own escape from Hungary and his gradual adaptation to America, where he faced many obstacles, including language barriers, financial hardships, and cultural differences. Through his business ventures and social networks, Gati helped many fellow 56ers find their footing in the USA and create successful businesses and communities.

Another notable interviewee is George Soloki, a former Hungarian student leader and freedom fighter who narrowly escaped execution by the Soviet regime. Soloki speaks candidly about his traumas and nightmares from the revolution and his continued activism for democracy and human rights. He also reflects on the challenges of reconciling his ideals and aspirations with the realities of exile and assimilation. Soloki's story represents the struggle of many 56ers who faced not only physical and material losses but also moral and emotional dilemmas as they rebuilt their lives in a foreign land.

The documentary covers various aspects of the 56ers' experiences, such as their initial reception in America, their educational and professional opportunities, their cultural and social adjustments, and their political and emotional engagements. The film highlights some of the significant contributions that Hungarian immigrants made to American society, including in science, art, sports, and politics. The film also acknowledges the tensions and conflicts that arose within the Hungarian community and between them and the broader American society, such as the generational gaps, the political divisions, and the language barriers.

The film's archival footage and photos add a valuable historical context and visual texture to the documentary, showing not only the 56ers' escape but also the scenes of their revolt, persecution, and displacement. The film's music, composed by Hungarian-American composer Peter Eotvos, provides a haunting and poignant soundtrack that accents the emotional depth of the 56ers' stories.

Starting Over in America: The Story of the Hungarian 56ers is an engaging and informative documentary that sheds light on an often-neglected chapter of American immigration history. The film presents the human faces and voices of a group of refugees who overcame adversity and made lasting contributions to their adopted country. The film is not only a tribute to their resilience and courage but also a reminder of the ongoing challenges and opportunities of the American Dream for all immigrants.

Starting Over in America: The Story of the Hungarian 56ers is a 2002 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes.