DIRECTOR: Lajos Koltai
STARRING: Miklos H. Vecsei, Katica Nagy, Laszlo Galffi, Tamas Kovacs
RUNNING TIME: 2 hrs 7 minutes
LANGUAGE: Hungarian
Set in 19th century Vienna, Ignác Semmelweis, a short-tempered but passionate doctor, delivers babies and carries out autopsies on a daily basis while looking for the cause of puerperal fever, the mysterious epidemic that decimates patients in the hospital.
***
Semmelweis is the third feature film for director Lajos Koltai. Koltai was nominated for an Oscar for the cinematography of 2001’s Malena. Koltai is also representing his country for the second time, following 2005’s entry Fateless. The film, sold by NFI World Sales, has become the highest grossing Hungarian movie in theaters in five years, attracting more than 350,000 viewers and grossing more than $2 million since its November 2023 release.
The Oscar selection committee included Csaba Káel, government commissioner for the development of the Hungarian motion picture industry and chairman of the National Film Institute, editor Gabriella Koncz, dramaturge-director György Lukácsy, Emil Novák, cinematographer-director and chairman of the Hungarian Film Academy, Ákos Pesti, producer, Zsuzsanna Sipos, Oscar-winning set decorator (Dune), and Csilla Szabó, dramaturge. Koltai said, “Semmelweis’ life is an example for all of us: a man who always, in all circumstances, followed his own path with a courage that defied death, which could not be diverted by hatred or violence. I wanted to show the viewers that it can be done: Perseverance, determination, dedication and passion bear fruit.”
The film was produced by Tamás Lajos, Szupermodern Filmstúdió and Joe Vida, and was supported by Hungary’s National Film Institute.
Semmelweis is a historical drama and it was filmed in Vienna, Austria.
To check out all previous submissions for Hungary, click HERE.
STARRING: Miklos H. Vecsei, Katica Nagy, Laszlo Galffi, Tamas Kovacs
RUNNING TIME: 2 hrs 7 minutes
LANGUAGE: Hungarian
Set in 19th century Vienna, Ignác Semmelweis, a short-tempered but passionate doctor, delivers babies and carries out autopsies on a daily basis while looking for the cause of puerperal fever, the mysterious epidemic that decimates patients in the hospital.
***
Semmelweis is the third feature film for director Lajos Koltai. Koltai was nominated for an Oscar for the cinematography of 2001’s Malena. Koltai is also representing his country for the second time, following 2005’s entry Fateless. The film, sold by NFI World Sales, has become the highest grossing Hungarian movie in theaters in five years, attracting more than 350,000 viewers and grossing more than $2 million since its November 2023 release.
The Oscar selection committee included Csaba Káel, government commissioner for the development of the Hungarian motion picture industry and chairman of the National Film Institute, editor Gabriella Koncz, dramaturge-director György Lukácsy, Emil Novák, cinematographer-director and chairman of the Hungarian Film Academy, Ákos Pesti, producer, Zsuzsanna Sipos, Oscar-winning set decorator (Dune), and Csilla Szabó, dramaturge. Koltai said, “Semmelweis’ life is an example for all of us: a man who always, in all circumstances, followed his own path with a courage that defied death, which could not be diverted by hatred or violence. I wanted to show the viewers that it can be done: Perseverance, determination, dedication and passion bear fruit.”
The film was produced by Tamás Lajos, Szupermodern Filmstúdió and Joe Vida, and was supported by Hungary’s National Film Institute.
Semmelweis is a historical drama and it was filmed in Vienna, Austria.
To check out all previous submissions for Hungary, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“There’s one simple cause for everything.”
Semmelweis, directed by the renowned Lajos Koltai, is a powerful and deeply moving biopic that shines a spotlight on one of history’s most unsung medical heroes, Dr. Ignac Semmelweis. The film, set in 1847 Vienna, masterfully tells the story of the Hungarian physician who discovered the importance of hand-washing in preventing infections during childbirth. With stunning cinematography and strong performances, Semmelweis transcends the historical genre to become an emotionally resonant tale about perseverance, innovation, and the fight against entrenched ignorance.
Miklós H. Vecsei gives a standout performance as Semmelweis, capturing the doctor’s passion and determination in the face of overwhelming resistance from the medical establishment. Vecsei’s portrayal perfectly balances Semmelweis’ intensity with moments of vulnerability, showing a man who is both confident in his scientific convictions and increasingly frustrated by the refusal of his peers to accept his findings. Katica Nagy also brings warmth and depth to her role as Emma Hoffman, the fictional midwife who supports Semmelweis. While her character is a creative addition, Nagy's portrayal adds a compelling emotional core to the story, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind medical progress.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its meticulous attention to period detail. Koltai’s direction, combined with András Nagy’s breathtaking cinematography, vividly brings 19th-century Vienna to life. The contrast between the grimy, overcrowded hospitals and the serene midwife-run clinic is visually striking and reinforces the film’s central theme: the clash between old, dangerous medical practices and the promise of new, life-saving methods. Every frame feels carefully crafted, drawing viewers into the grim realities of the era while keeping them emotionally engaged in Semmelweis’ journey.
The film's pacing and narrative structure also deserve praise. While many historical biopics can become bogged down in dry facts, Semmelweis keeps its focus squarely on the emotional stakes. The tension builds as Semmelweis faces increasing opposition from his colleagues and struggles to prove his findings, leading to a satisfying climax where his persistence begins to bear fruit. Koltai wisely avoids focusing on the tragic end of Semmelweis’ life, allowing the film to conclude on a more triumphant note that celebrates his monumental contribution to modern medicine.
Semmelweis is a triumph not only as a biopic but as a universal story of courage, conviction, and the fight for truth. Lajos Koltai has crafted a visually stunning, emotionally gripping film that does justice to its subject’s legacy. With exceptional performances, a captivating story, and a timely message about the importance of scientific integrity, Semmelweis is a must-see for anyone interested in history, medicine, or the power of human resilience.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“There’s one simple cause for everything.”
Semmelweis, directed by the renowned Lajos Koltai, is a powerful and deeply moving biopic that shines a spotlight on one of history’s most unsung medical heroes, Dr. Ignac Semmelweis. The film, set in 1847 Vienna, masterfully tells the story of the Hungarian physician who discovered the importance of hand-washing in preventing infections during childbirth. With stunning cinematography and strong performances, Semmelweis transcends the historical genre to become an emotionally resonant tale about perseverance, innovation, and the fight against entrenched ignorance.
Miklós H. Vecsei gives a standout performance as Semmelweis, capturing the doctor’s passion and determination in the face of overwhelming resistance from the medical establishment. Vecsei’s portrayal perfectly balances Semmelweis’ intensity with moments of vulnerability, showing a man who is both confident in his scientific convictions and increasingly frustrated by the refusal of his peers to accept his findings. Katica Nagy also brings warmth and depth to her role as Emma Hoffman, the fictional midwife who supports Semmelweis. While her character is a creative addition, Nagy's portrayal adds a compelling emotional core to the story, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind medical progress.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its meticulous attention to period detail. Koltai’s direction, combined with András Nagy’s breathtaking cinematography, vividly brings 19th-century Vienna to life. The contrast between the grimy, overcrowded hospitals and the serene midwife-run clinic is visually striking and reinforces the film’s central theme: the clash between old, dangerous medical practices and the promise of new, life-saving methods. Every frame feels carefully crafted, drawing viewers into the grim realities of the era while keeping them emotionally engaged in Semmelweis’ journey.
The film's pacing and narrative structure also deserve praise. While many historical biopics can become bogged down in dry facts, Semmelweis keeps its focus squarely on the emotional stakes. The tension builds as Semmelweis faces increasing opposition from his colleagues and struggles to prove his findings, leading to a satisfying climax where his persistence begins to bear fruit. Koltai wisely avoids focusing on the tragic end of Semmelweis’ life, allowing the film to conclude on a more triumphant note that celebrates his monumental contribution to modern medicine.
Semmelweis is a triumph not only as a biopic but as a universal story of courage, conviction, and the fight for truth. Lajos Koltai has crafted a visually stunning, emotionally gripping film that does justice to its subject’s legacy. With exceptional performances, a captivating story, and a timely message about the importance of scientific integrity, Semmelweis is a must-see for anyone interested in history, medicine, or the power of human resilience.
