Aksál

A brilliantly written miniature that works on multiple levels. Firstly, as an entertaining conversation piece that can build tension and comes with a funny and surprising point. Secondly, as a confrontation of two strategies for approaching life, best described by Karel Čapek in his story about Romeo and Juliet from his book "Apocryphal Stories." One simply burns with passion, and relies on emotions and experiences, without considering the consequences. The opposite approach relies on reason and works with a long-term perspective. On the third level, Aksál is one of the many variations on one of the key themes in literature and film - the midlife crisis. The feeling of weariness, routine, and fear that nothing exceptional will happen in one's life anymore, can shake a person and force them to do foolish things. The production may have a slight weakness in terms of set design, but otherwise, it is top-notch. Overall impression: 90%. (15.08.2016)

A riveting, unexpectedly dramatic and highly emotional half-hour conversation film. Josef Abrhám and Marie Drahokoupilová mercilessly fire at each other with questions and answers masterfully written by Pavel Kohout, the appropriate atmosphere is illustrated by the music of Luboš Fišer and the direction of Jiří Bělka, who played with long shots. In short, another archival TV gem that we should cherish. I recommend it to everyone. (03.12.2011)