JAN HREBEJK

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB

Original title:  Kraska v Nesnazich

Czech Republic, 2006.  Total HelpArt T.H.A., Ceská Televize.  Screenplay by Petr Jarchovsky.  Cinematography by Jan Malir.  Produced by Ondrej Trojan.   Music by Ales Brezina.   Production Design by Milan Bycek.  Costume Design by Katarina Bielikova.  Film Editing by Vladimir Barak.  

After a devastating flood wipes away their entire livelihood, a Prague family is barely surviving while their father keeps the family afloat by refurbishing and reselling stolen cars. When mom Marcela threatens to leave if he doesn’t do something more legit, he refuses and she packs up the kids and heads to her mother’s cramped apartment. From there she has to contend with her cantankerous stepfather while a budding romance blossoms between her and the wealthy ex-patriot from Italy whose vehicle causes Marcela’s husband to be caught and put in prison.

Jan Hrebejk (Divided We Fall) has created another unforgettable human comedy, one where the various quirks of daily life make for illuminating observation.  Anna Geislerová is brilliant in the lead, while Jirí Schmitzer is superb as the hateful but compelling stepfather.

Toronto International Film Festival:  2006