This movie is a rare masterpiece. It comes from Czechoslovakia and was directed by the famous Ivan Vojna (graduated from the FAMU Cinema School in Prague). Well-known American Director David Lynch once answered to the question : "Why are you shooting pictures ?", with the following : "To create a World and to experiment within". It seems that the Czech Director is talented enough to re-create a complete World and Atmosphere, the Mitteleuropa aesthetic and moral state of mind before World War I (before the Austrian Empire collapsed). His movie depicts so finely the specific atmosphere of the Bohemian Land, its original folklore, the "Weltanschauung" of its inhabitants and its poetical Landscapes (Woods and plains, soft hills and mountains). The picture is always outstanding (wonderful Black & White Photo, very seldom nowadays...), the music and the scenery also excellent whereas the actors are flawless (even the kids) : a rare and perfect achievement in the Eastern Movie industry, which should stand for a model for Western directors (except, of course, Hollywood ones - strictly from a technical point of view). Last notice that the rhythm of the story, and the cutting as well, could look strange and amazing to a western audience : just remove your watch, open your eyes and be captivated by the very delicate and rare charm of this film.
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