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In a small Hungarian village teetering on the edge of turmoil, the unexpected arrival of a mysterious circus ignites a wave of unsettling emotions. The circus features a giant whale and rumors of a reclusive Prince possessing unusual powers. As anticipation builds, the villagers’ hidden desires and deepest fears are stirred, leading to a chaotic and unpredictable atmosphere.

In a small Hungarian village teetering on the edge of turmoil, the unexpected arrival of a mysterious circus ignites a wave of unsettling emotions. The circus features a giant whale and rumors of a reclusive Prince possessing unusual powers. As anticipation builds, the villagers’ hidden desires and deepest fears are stirred, leading to a chaotic and unpredictable atmosphere.

Does Werckmeister Harmonies have end credit scenes?

No!

Werckmeister Harmonies does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Werckmeister Harmonies

Explore the complete cast of Werckmeister Harmonies, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Werckmeister Harmonies

See how Werckmeister Harmonies is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Werckmeister Harmonies stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

93

Metascore

8.3

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

%

TOMATOMETER

review

0%

User Score

TMDB

79

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Werckmeister Harmonies Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Werckmeister Harmonies with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Werckmeister Harmonies Quiz: Test your knowledge on the thought-provoking film 'Werckmeister Harmonies' and explore its themes and characters.

Who is the main character in 'Werckmeister Harmonies'?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Werckmeister Harmonies

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Read the complete plot summary of Werckmeister Harmonies, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In a bleak, unnamed town in Hungary during a harsh winter, János Valuska, a young newspaper delivery man, captivates a group of drunken patrons by performing about a total eclipse of the sun, which momentarily disrupts and then quiets the local animals. This unique act concludes with the much-anticipated return of the warm sunlight.

János shares a close bond with his ‘uncle,’ György Eszter, a composer and musicologist who plays a paternal role in his life. György meticulously documents his thoughts on the imperfections of the musical scale, inspired by Werckmeister’s theories, and suggests revisions to harmonize music more organically.

One day, János visits the post office to collect his newspapers. The employees there express worry about impending troubles as they sense the “circus” is nearing—a traveling show known for leaving tension in its wake. A peculiar circus arrives at night, showcasing a massive, stuffed whale and its elusive star performer, known only as “The Prince.” János contemplates profound ideas about existence while observing the circus’s surreal arrival.

Meanwhile, György’s estranged wife, Tünde, exploits her social standing, pressuring György to spearhead the “Clean Up the Town movement,” backed by the local police chief. She threatens to move back in with him if he refuses, sending her suitcase ahead with János as a messenger. Caught in turmoil, György’s brother, Uncle Lajos, disseminates Tünde’s demands to a disgruntled crowd in the town square, fueling their anger over declining public services. Faced with a thug outside the circus, János begins to feel the oppressive atmosphere tightening around him. Tünde, in an alarming partnership, spends time with the intoxicated police chief.

As tensions mount, the arrival of the whale and “The Prince” incite chaos among the townsfolk. János overhears a panic-stricken circus master struggling to control his mute Prince, now revealing revolutionary sentiments through a translator, igniting the mob’s fervor. The rioting crowd, armed with crude weapons, invades a hospital where they brutalize defenseless patients, only to cease when confronted by the reality of their own despair reflected in an old, vulnerable man.

After the tumult, János discovers a diary belonging to a rioter that conveys their confusion and aimless fury towards their reality. The tragic tale takes a darker turn as it discusses the horrors inflicted upon two young women. On his way home, János witnesses Tünde clandestinely meeting with a military official, leading to their departure aboard a military vehicle, accompanied by armed forces.

János soon learns of Lajos’ death amid the riots and is warned by Lajos’s wife to flee, as he is now a target. He escapes toward the railway tracks but is snatched up by a helicopter. This startling turn of events lands him in a mental institution, a chilling reminder of the era’s political repression. During a visit, György attempts to share the aftermath of the chaos with János, who remains unresponsive, gazing into an empty void. György reveals his struggles—having been forced out of their home while Tünde, now aligned with the authorities, occupies their former residence. He mentions his plan for a simpler life in a shed with János if they are reunited, albeit with a re-tuned piano symbolizing resignation to their plight.

The film reaches its somber conclusion with György silently traversing the town square. He gazes into the haunting sight of the abandoned whale, now a symbol of lost hope, before looking back one last time at the desolate remnants of the circus, enveloped by creeping fog, leaving an indelible impression of sorrow and decay.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Werckmeister Harmonies

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Werckmeister Harmonies. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


4k Restoration Trailer

Werckmeister Harmonies | Official Trailer | Coming Soon to Klassiki

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


allegorysurrealismhungarianphilosophybased on novelmale frontal nuditymale nudityinstrument tuningwhalecontemplative cinemaanarchyboydisillusionmentlong taketitle directed by femalecobbler the shoemakerslow cinemainciting a riottragedy dramachildsmall townprincecircusiron curtainstuck recordingcosmosfamily relationshipsgardenmapbootmakerslaughterarmysworddrumlistening to musicrecordingfaithleap of faithmailroomimmortalitysilencedarknessmusical octavebutcherhotelgraveyardpoplar treesarkad hungarydead telephonerestraining order

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