Hair

I completely and intentionally avoided having any hair for two decades. Not because it's a musical or maybe because of "display of long-haired guys" but because I once suffered watching a classic version. Which is basically a 90s, TV Nova pell-mell variety show where every single excellent but poorly arranged song was followed by at least two terrible ones (and of course poorly arranged too), moreover, the song was so obviously intrusively agitating that perhaps even the hippies would get annoyed. I never wanted to see it again, not even from Forman, though it kept bothering me "what the hell made him do this". After all, if I finally dared to watched. I would say that no other film proves Forman's greatness like this one. To be able make such a nonsense to have at least some meaning and as a result unexpectedly impressive story (you can read the original course of the plot on wikipedia), to focus only on (with one exception) performances, moreover not significantly stylized in terms of music, to change the order of songs, their singers and, in fact, almost everything, it is simply a proof that he could perhaps even transform Olmer's post-revolutionary works "into timeless classics". (08.01.2017)

Engaging story, beautiful soundtrack, and a gripping ending. However, Forman did not incorporate divine choreography, an unmistakable atmosphere, or anything that a period musical should have. And I cannot forgive that, especially since it is not an original piece. The songs are perfect, but they are simply arranged one after another as fans of the musical expect and as they should and must be. But there is a lack of surprise, and I only get divine music, which I do not accept in this film adaptation. (02.05.2005)

I am unable to properly appreciate the often praised musical aspect of the film, as I am not such a music fan and expert, but the strong anti-war message of the film strongly resonates within me. That final scene, when an endless line of soldiers marches towards the plane and the camera focuses on the face of the main hero, is one of the most powerful ones that have ever appeared in a film with an anti-war theme. It is a certain depiction of the time when the word "freedom" was declined in all cases and the term "flower children" was not yet emptied. Overall impression: 80%. (18.06.2006)

I'm not a particular admirer of Miloš Forman, who has become a more fashionable filmmaker with each passing year, and knowledge of his complete works makes one a better person. However, since childhood, I have had a love for two of his films, Hair, and Valmont. I feel more or less lukewarm about the rest of his work. Of course, after getting to know his early work, it's much easier to identify his typical traits in his later films, but that's how it is during any process of paying close attention to someone. It is clear beyond all doubt what Milos liked about the whole subject and why he defended the implementation of Hair even anachronistically against the current of time. Miloš gives this musical great humor, the necessary Czech penchant for awkwardness, and, above all, a broad heart that is able to take in all the pains of the Western world. The choreography is very lively, the dialogue flows into it naturally and easily, and it is simply a pleasure to relive those few days before Claude's enlistment and to find out who the plain-haired Berger was. The final point in Nevada chills more than any other contemporary serious drama, and we can laugh through it all from the beginning even. Harmony with a group of free thinkers is universal and does not necessarily appeal to our views on the Vietnam War. The flower youth was not that much different than any before or after it. Having strict or snobbish parents is nothing special because the issues around single motherhood are still the same, as is the attitude toward one's own identity. The Age of Aquarius may have brought with it a certain attitude and style, but Hair was able to bridge the gap of time in the name of friendship. (13.12.2012)

From an ancient school screening, I remembered Hair dimly as a good musical with good songs and a number of scenes that made us feel different things as teenagers. But today I finally saw Hair again, in the movie theatre, and I had to update my opinion. It is a great musical with genius songs and scenes directed in such a world-class way that one must once again admire the talent of Milos Forman. Whether it's the carefree odes sung and danced around parks, a hallucinogenic wedding scene or the finale with a troop-eating plane, it’s all amazing. It also of course concerns the acting and singing performances, and the lightness with which humor alternates with chills is also admirable. The world is about friendship, love, and freedom, says this film. Or at least that should be the point. And that applies all the time. Or at least it should. (28.08.2018)

Finally, I'm getting more into the works of Miloš Forman and I have to say that I am becoming very excited. I was really looking forward to this musical. And it didn't disappoint at all. It has great hippie songs, a great anti-war atmosphere, and absolutely brilliant ending where you don't know whether to laugh or just shake your head. Fantastic. (01.12.2015)

Hair is definitely one of the best movie musicals to ever see the light of day. I am still fascinated by the brilliant music and the story with its strong anti-war appeal, which even after many years since it was made can still appeal to the perceptive viewer. I'm really proud that Miloš Forman took on this classic and breathed life into it in the purest sense of the word. Like only he could... (26.11.2020)