Réalisation:
Miloš MakovecPhotographie:
Vladimír NovotnýMusique:
Jan RychlíkActeurs·trices:
Gustáv Valach, Stanislav Fišer, Vladimír Hlavatý, Alena Vránová, Radovan Lukavský, Karel Ensman, Jan Maška, Vladimír Huber, Ladislav Gzela (plus)Résumés(1)
This lamentably little-known but formally remarkable and outstandingly acted historical drama was shot in 1960s, inspired by a short story by Alois Jirásek. A threesome of deserters with radically different world-views meet during the time of Austro-Prussian War. After a short spell of peace, the fate has it that their stands crystallize in the inevitable necessity to confront the tiresome war. (Summer Film School)
(plus)Critiques (2)
A mediocre script for Jiří Brdečka’s standards, but otherwise an easily watchable film. If you're looking for a historical epic, look elsewhere, this is an intimate film with 8 actors and about 20 extras. Fortunately, despite its period, the film isn't afflicted with a constructionist itch or period schematicism, but it fizzles out of your head before you can say "lost children".
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For me, this is the best-filmed adaptation of Alois Jirásek's work, supported by excellent performances from all involved, meticulous direction, and an emotional screenplay. In several moments - especially in the final scene, when Gustáv Valach walks toward enemy soldiers - the film lightly slides into pathos, causing it to miss out on a fifth star, but it is still a great piece of work, even on an international scale, for its time. Strong dialogues and an atmosphere of despair during wartime turmoil. Overall impression: 85%.
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