Morgiana

Well, it's not The Petroleum Lamps, but it's still a significant above-average work in Czech cinema and one of the best pieces by Juraj Herz, who had plenty of talent and creativity to spare at the time. Iva Janžurová is excellent in the main dual role and proves that she is not just a good comedian, but a top-notch character actress. The remarkable visual aspect of the film, which utilizes the rarely used Art Nouveau style, significantly contributes to creating a mysterious atmosphere. Ester Krumbachová did a great job... Overall impression 90%. An example of a film where the camera, sound, and decorations are in unique harmony. (13/06/2006)

What fascinates me about Morgiana is the way Juraj Herz plays with the audience. You think you'll hope for good sister Clara's recovery, but after a while you become more interested in evil Victoria and suddenly you're rooting for her as well, even though you tell yourself you shouldn't for some moral reason. And it is exactly these thoughts that Herz laughs at - and he can laugh mainly thanks to the absolutely perfect Iva Janžurová in the title role. Thank whoever for the idea to cast her and only her. And when the beautiful music by Fišer plays, the camera looks through cat's eyes and we see an unusually scary hallucination scene... There's really nothing to worry about. I watched Morgiana at two in the morning because I just didn't want to sleep. The movie ended, and I didn't want to sleep anymore, but for completely different reasons. (14/01/2014)

Juraj Herz shows that he handles horror really well and it doesn't matter what setting he chooses, as long as he has great actors. He can build up the atmosphere and spice up the story in a way that keeps you entertained the whole time. However, this is unequivocally Ivy Janžurová's performance, who dominates the film and is able to enchant and disgust you practically at the same moment. (30/12/2014)