Coming from a modest background, little Nemecsek faces a tough test in life at an early age: his mother has to leave home after his father discovers her affair with the wealthy merchant Kovacs. At the same time, Nemecsek is fighting for a playground on Paul Street. But the property belongs to old Jan. Only with the help of Edit, his friend's grandmother, who recognizes Jan as her old childhood sweetheart, can the property be won as a playground. Soon, the beloved playground is in danger of being lost not only to a rival youth gang, but also to Julia, Janos' ex-wife. She has big construction plans for the property. The leader of the "Boys of Paul Street" is Boka. His father is a gambler and cannot fight his addiction. One day, Boka has to watch as his father narrowly escapes death in a duel. Nemecsek fights to the bitter end. Will he win the battle...?
Acting
Mario Adorf and Virna Lisi's weathered romance outshines the child performances.
Production
Budapest locations breathe authentic 1900s grit into every frame.
Writing
Adapts Ferenc Molnár's novel with surprising fidelity to its cruel heart.
Director
Maurizio Zaccaro
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Ferenc Molnár's 1907 novel 'A Pál utcai fiúk,' a cornerstone of Hungarian literature so beloved it's required reading in schools.
The rival 'Redshirts' gang name references the 1848 Hungarian revolution—this children's war mirrors national trauma.
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