Tabló (2008): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2008, Tabló is a drama and crime film directed by Gábor Dettre, running about 120 minutes. “Hungarian film noir” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Karcsi, a Roma policeman, lives with Eva, a Swede. One day he is called to the scene of the murder of a wealthy trafficker named Schulter. He begins to investigate the crime, interrogate neighbours and suspects, and untangle a complex situation - one that he, himself, complicates even further. For he is a gypsy, who despite being adopted and raised by "regular" Hungarians, has his nose rubbed in his minority status every day. The film, which is based on the novel by Ákos Kertész, is a shrewd genre work full of dusky humour and surreal situations. Tabló follows a vivid succession of strange images that eventually lead to the emergence of the central story about a charismatic police officer on a tireless quest for the truth, though he must fight against virtually everyone and is just as fallible as the next person. Tabló makes a statement on the issue of race and racism - or, indeed, relations between any minority and majority.

Who’s in it. Tabló stars Zoltán Mucsi as Zafír, József Tóth as Taxi Driver, Sándor Fábry and Kamilla Fátyol, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 2.0/10, Tabló has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Tabló page.

If you liked it. Fans of Tabló tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.