Diary for My Children is a 1984 Hungarian drama film directed by Márta Mészáros. The story follows the life of Juli, a young girl who returns to her native Hungary with her family after World War II. The family settles in Budapest, where Juli's mother finds work as a journalist and her father as a factory worker.
As the years pass, Juli grows up under the shadow of Soviet occupation and Stalinism. She experiences the pressures of conforming to socialist ideals, the limitations of free expression, and the threat of political persecution. Despite these challenges, Juli remains committed to her own ideals and aspirations. She keeps a diary throughout her teenage years, in which she records her thoughts and experiences as a young woman living in a changing society.
The film is shot in black and white, enhancing its sense of historical authenticity and evoking the gloom and uncertainty of the time. The performances are naturalistic and understated, adding to the film's realism and emotional impact.
Diary for My Children is a powerful and moving portrayal of personal and political struggles during a turbulent period in Hungary's history. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of individual expression in the face of adversity.