Královský omyl

"The kingdom needs a lie?" This is a pretty good historical drama. However, it could have been a bit longer, so that more space could be given to the actors who unfortunately only appeared for a brief moment (Josef Větrovec, Josef Vinklář, Luděk Kopřiva). The trio of Růžek (mainly him), Macháček and Munzar did a great job, and I also liked how the atmosphere inside the castle gradually thickened. (08.10.2011)

"As long as I'm here, you won't get out." - "And as long as I'm here, you won't get out either." Daněk arranges his intimate drama as a complicated relationship between a prisoner and a jailer - both are mutually dependent and trapped in their own way. "No one can rely on anyone today. You know it best yourself - after all, you are also in charge," says the sad commander of the castle garrison when he decides between loyalty to the current lord and an offer of betrayal from a noble magnate who is currently out of favor. All of this takes place in a situation where he does not know who among his subordinates stands on this or that side. The film is shot in the austere setting of a decaying medieval castle, which gives the film a stamp of period authenticity, and stands on the excellent performances of the charismatic Macháček, Munzar as the uncertain priest, and above all Martin Růžek as the purgrave torn by doubts and squeezed by conflicting interests and threats. Although historical facts do not speak in favor of the honor of Lord Henry of Lipá, Daňek's sense of dialogue, interesting characters, and moral conflicts make the film not an easily digestible, but for me a valuable and attractive spectacle. Overall impression: 90%. (30.05.2022)