This is genuinely one of the best films I have ever seen - Hrebejk at his absolute best.
Firstly, it has so many typically Hrebejk touching moments (in fact I felt quite teary for a lot of it), mostly because of the historical background it is set in, but also because of the emotional and sometimes painful ways that the characters interact. Although several of the characters are extremely difficult people, you do sympathise with them.
However, secondly, what makes this film so special is that is is genuinely hilarious as well. People had warned me beforehand that the humour was very "Czech" and that does not necessarily translate that well. However, I would say this is totally wrong. This film has so many funny parts that there is something for everyone, both black comedy and outright slapstick; for a week I laughed about the scene with the carp in the bath.
I highly recommend this film; some knowledge of recent Czech history is useful.
Firstly, it has so many typically Hrebejk touching moments (in fact I felt quite teary for a lot of it), mostly because of the historical background it is set in, but also because of the emotional and sometimes painful ways that the characters interact. Although several of the characters are extremely difficult people, you do sympathise with them.
However, secondly, what makes this film so special is that is is genuinely hilarious as well. People had warned me beforehand that the humour was very "Czech" and that does not necessarily translate that well. However, I would say this is totally wrong. This film has so many funny parts that there is something for everyone, both black comedy and outright slapstick; for a week I laughed about the scene with the carp in the bath.
I highly recommend this film; some knowledge of recent Czech history is useful.