Udělení milosti se zamítá

An above-average television drama, which director Jiří Svoboda quite predictably chose for the sharply defined rebellious character of the main protagonist and the atmosphere of the oppressive 1950s distorted by the Stalinist regime. Given Jiří Svoboda's long-standing membership in the Communist Party and his activism, it's one of the attempts to come to terms with his own past. Similar themes with a criminal subplot are common in Svoboda's work. A decent screenplay and, above all, the excellent performance by Jan Dolanský in the lead role are the main strengths of this piece. Overall impression: 70%. (01.03.2009)