gudaulin

For a production from the 90s, this is a decent film and one of the few successful attempts at a genre film from that period. However, in comparison with historical works from the pre-1989 era, it only ranks as above average. It's the best post-1989 performance by Marek Vašut (which doesn't mean he shines...), and there is a smaller but notable and well-acted role of a priest played by Jan Tříska. Overall impression: 60%.

I've seen many bad movies, but The Silence of the Hams deserves its own special category. If I could give a negative rating, I would do so without hesitation. The jokes are rehashed a hundred times over, and if any have potential, they are delivered so cheaply that it kills the punchline... I suffered a lot. Overall rating: 0, underlined three times!

Croupier has three undeniable strengths that make it rise above the average: Clive Owen, for whom this is his most notable role alongside Children of Men, and I could perfectly identify him with the main character; excellent knowledge of the setting; and the atmosphere of the bizarre world of players succumbing to the passion of gambling. The slow, at times almost hypnotic pace is driven by the protagonist's internal monologue, and the camera often plays with details. A unique film without flashy effects, but it really got under my skin. Overall impression: 90%.

An adorable, brilliant work by director Ján Roháč, his best work after the series about two foolish French clerks. It is an original comedy conceived as poetic clowning by three top actors with a talent for movement and the ability to express everything essential with just facial expressions. Three little bugs discover the human world and find themselves in the position of a toddler exploring its surroundings and touching objects around it without knowing their purpose. The amount of fun that can be had with a clock, a gramophone, or an ordinary spoon! Overall impression: 95%.

A non-narrative poetic surrealist play, where the decisive factor is the peculiar atmosphere of a world trapped within a frame.

Sirene falls into the period when Raoul Servais incorporated environmental protection and criticism of the consumer lifestyle into his work. The industrial civilization of today is embodied in the film by giant transport mechanisms that dominate the harbor, taking the form of enormous hostile dragons. The nature that the filmmaker wants to protect is depicted as a mermaid courted by a romantic young man. The color scheme is particularly interesting: an unsettling red represents the day when industrial mechanisms become active and the dragons come to life, while a much more pleasant blue evokes the calm atmosphere of the night. Overall impression: 80%.

Unquestionably the weakest part of the series, and an absolutely soulless and embarrassing spectacle exclusively for enthusiastic fans of the action genre, which gives up on any logic. Overall impression: 20%.

In terms of craftsmanship, this film is a showcase of highly professional work, rarely seen in the Czech Republic. Sekal Has to Die definitely ranks among the top five most significant films in Czech post-revolution history. Compared to the semi-amateur approach of many creators, it is an example of highly professional work by the entire crew and especially the production team. Yes, it's possible to debate the "cold calculation" and "contrived plot," but dramatically, Sekal Has to Die works, unlike many so-called auteur films made for the director and a few close friends. The idea of enlivening the film with Polish actors is excellent because playing in a small sandbox isn't sensible, and both Bogusław Linda and Olaf Lubaszenko are among the top Polish actors. Besides depicting the stagnant atmosphere of a conservative, remote Moravian village, the film raises a fundamental question: To what extent are we shaped by our surroundings, and where is the cause and effect of human actions? Did Sekal become a human swine because his environment treated him swinishly, and could it have been different if...? Overall impression: 90%.

One of the gems of Czech animated production and the best work by director Lubomír Beneš. An immensely bleak, ballad-like story on the theme of human greed, guilt, and punishment. Perfect puppetry work, where a single hand gesture explains more than a lengthy dialogue. A wordless film, with the atmosphere beautifully enhanced by excellently chosen music. A seven-minute film where not a single second is wasted. Note: not suitable for small children. Overall impression: 100%.

This somewhat archaic film is now mainly for movie enthusiasts and nostalgia buffs. It is based on the artwork of Josef Lada. It's too long for the very young and too childish for older children. The technical quality has also become problematic after so many years. The spoken word tends to be more distracting than engaging, and the animation reflects its era. However, the artistic aspect is still remarkable, especially the "hell" segment. The bureaucratically portrayed hell, full of lists and documents, reminded me of certain departments at my company :). Overall impression: 45%.