An American Rhapsody - Character Sketch.

        In this movie you are able to compare the life of a Hungarian child to that of an American. By that I can say that Suzanne’s personality and capabilities changed dramatically when she went from Budapest to California. For a young peasant Hungarian girl is proper and polite with not very many luxuries as an American might have. For example in the film they show how rare bananas are to come by for when Suzanne was offered one on her plane trip to America she didn’t know what it was. While in America, children may have a banana every morning if they wish. Hungary was in the middle of a war and there was a lot of dread in the streets, while America had a booming economy at the time with the development of new technologies like television, for Suzanne had never seen a television until she saw herself on the news her first night in America. This shows how differently her life was when she was in Hungary and how much freedom the children have in America. For instance, Suzanne was able to wander off down the street, journeying to the park in America and not have to worry about getting shot in the streets or disappearing for saying the wrong word.

        From the immediate change of landscape and customs, evidently -Suzanne was exposed to culture shock. She is torn between the torn countries and feels the need to explore her past because of the friction of her current life. From this we can see that her personality would have changed along with her lifestyle. She went from a considerate and courteous little girl to a rebellious and defiant teenager. For when she was older she acted out by sneaking out of the house and drinking, while quarreling with her mother about insubordinate things. She does this because she is faced with the mystery of her past, leaving her with the mystery of her identity. Only by going back to Hungary, by crossing the border once again, on her own terms, is she able to find herself once again and with this her true home.          

        With the discovery of her past she are able to comprehend what had truly happened and at that make peace with her mother leading her into a deeper understanding for the life she lives and her future. With these attributes to look forward to Suzanne will be able to continue on knowing who she truly is and what she is capable of achieving. She was able to discover the true meaning of family, freedom and home.