VLADIMIR MICHALEK

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB

Original title:  Babi Leto

Czech Republic, 2001.  BKP Film, Buc-Film, Ceská Televize.  Screenplay by Jiri Hubac.  Cinematography by Martin Strba.  Produced by Jiri Bartoska, Jaroslav Kucera.  Music by Michal Lorenc.  Production Design by Jiri Sternwald.  Costume Design by Petra Jachimova.  Film Editing by Jiri Brozek.  

Deeply heartfelt comedy about a retired actor who spends his days playing pranks with his best friend. They get into hot water when they pretend to be a millionaire classical music conductor and his assistant, looking to buy a mansion in the Czech countryside. The real estate agent who gets wise to their game demands a huge monetary compensation for his trouble, forcing our lovable hero to dip into his and his wife’s funeral funds, and then the lies he creates to cover this act drive him to an unforgivably desperate prank that inspires his wife to leave him. Lots of movies have been made examining characters in their twilight years, but this one has more palpable affection and wry comedy than most of them combined, and the performances are all superb.

Toronto International Film Festival:  2002