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 Yes, it's a comedy! A little dark, but with its share of light and warmth too Dec 29, 2009
This film is way underrated here. It's really very nicely done, with a sharp script and spot-on acting, soundtrack (and sound in general), decoration (especially loved the moving doll collection!), editing--everything works. I can see why some don't like it, having expected something else, but those looking for a subtle, intelligent but not intellectualized comedy/drama won't be disappointed. The comedy is more of manners than slapstick, with lots of delicious, delightful touches, some absurdist, most very real.
The film takes up a number of story threads and brings them all together in a satisfying if only partly happy way, not too hard to follow. The unifying theme of immigration/emigration/race is handled from many angles, with apt twists and ironies. The characters, from a spectrum of social heights, are well drawn and played. We're made to care about most of them, even if some of their pretenses or weaknesses are poked at in funny ways at times. We feel both their triumphs and tragedies.
Emília Vásáryová, as a spurned wife, is especially good here, bringing a perfect balance and nuance to a complex role that could easily have made her unsympathetic. Her dialogue is also exceptionally well honed.
The 18-minute making-of piece has the usual behind-the-scenes stuff, moderately entertaining and informative.
There's a cameo in the film by Vaclev Havel, by the way, not played up; it's just there in the logical place for it.
1 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 WEIRD CZECH MOVIE Nov 19, 2008
This movie was another example of a really weird modern Czech movie. They often seem to think this way of American and British pop culture and we really don't want to see the details of their weird soccer club people. This movie sucks!! I wish that we could get more of their movies from the eighties like "Slnce, Seno a Jahody" (Sun, Hay and Strawberries) subtitled in English.
 Not perfect but pretty decent Jun 22, 2008
This one can be a bit polarising depending on the viewer's expectations. Watched it last night thinking it would be a comedy, but I'd have to say it veers more towards drama with a couple of funny moments. The plot is sometimes a bit clunky but quite clever. The different (intersecting) stories make an interesting assessment of race, migration, and class issues in present-day Europe. Some of the acting is quite good, particularly the lonely mother (Vera) and the dim-witted yet endearing Franta. Worth watching when you are in the mood for a good foreign film.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Great Czech Film Apr 20, 2007
This is a show that has a serious plot but is really funny throughout the whole film. Classic Czech personality---life is serious and oppressive but there is still humor in the cracks and crevices of life.
LOVED IT!!
2 of 6 found the following review helpful:
 This is a comedy? May 12, 2006
The summary of this movie makes it sound like a light-hearted happy-go-lucky type of film. Unfortunately, it is exactly the opposite. Aside from the funny scene involving the Colonel, I didn't see much humor. Mainly this movie revolves around the serious (not funny) topics of neglect, racism, and self-worth. At first I thought that maybe I just wasn't getting the Czech type of humor, but by the end I was thoroughly depressed. Maybe if my expectations had been different I could give this more than 2 stars. If you like deep, thoughful movies, then this might suit you, but don't expect Sideways part 2.
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