Occupation

Les films tchèques du cru 2021 font plaisir à voir. Chyby et Okupace soufflent un vent frais de niveau européen. Et malgré leur divergence totale en matière de thématique, de genre et de conception, ils ont un point commun : ils innovent et leur distribution n’est pas celle qui nous agace à force de la voir dans tous les films, toutes les publicités, campagnes ou sur la couverture de tous les magazines. De plus, Okupace est le premier film de la carrière du réalisateur et celui-ci mérite toutes les gloires du monde pour avoir fait un tel début ! Parce que le concept, le scénario, les dialogues, les monologues, la musique… tout est parfait et fonctionne superbement. (04/02/2022)

When I was preparing for this film on Wednesday, I had no idea that it would be so relevant. I certainly didn't expect to be so satisfied with a Czech film for the second time in a very short period. However, this movie provided such a perfect insight into Czech nature that I couldn't help but enjoy it. The creators managed to achieve a perfect combination of sad comedy and drama, all complemented by a perfect period atmosphere. As a result, it was a delightful treat for me. The actors were also outstanding and delivered fantastic performances, so I could be proud of Czech film for the second time this week. I rarely have this feeling, but as you can see, I don't have to fall into depression just yet :-) I'm glad that the truth about clothes making the man was confirmed again because Petr Kraus (Pavel Neškudla) perfectly embodied his role, and Antonín (Tomáš Jeřábek) was helped by his brown shirt to deliver a great performance. It's hard to say if even Julius Fučík could resist them. Well, if Mistakes and Occupation are a sign of better times for Czech film production, I will be filled with joy. However, my enthusiasm is strongly hindered by the fact that I am a realist, so I suspect that unpleasant experiences await me in the future. Nevertheless, I wish myself, other viewers, and especially Czech creators good luck. / Lesson: If you feel injustice from the government, become a resistor. (25/02/2022)

I have somewhat mixed feelings about Occupation. The beginning didn't impress me much, but the second half was better and much more interesting. The plot built up in tension as the finale approached, aided by great performances from most of the cast, especially Martin Pechlát, Otakar Brousek Jr. and Tomáš Jeřábek. It's definitely not your everyday movie, but it seems to me that it rather encourages violence. He could probably stir up negative passions in society too. And I find that aspect quite objectionable. (65%) (29/03/2022)