Stanislaus

Youth is an audiovisually opulent and superbly acted reflection on old age and youth that is both comic and tragic, with both opposites always used appropriately and effectively. The story is set in a seemingly ordinary spa, but inhabited by a variety of characters who can both make you laugh and move you with their behaviour and speeches. I really liked the beautifully colourful shots of nature and the overall camera work, which flirted with the people and objects around it. In addition to the captivating imagery, I was carried away on the film's enchanting musical score, which was impossible to ignore and perfectly completed the atmosphere of each scene. Each of the characters had something of their own story to tell, so I could hardly say which one captivated me the most. An artfully made film that could be considered a metaphor for life, as there are moments that make you smile as well as sad.

The Brand New Testament is definitely one of the most original films of recent years, no doubt about it. A crude, mean and bored God! A naively clever Ea, eager to give her father a good beating! A jaded Goddess with a penchant for colourful patterns and a love of the number 18! A truly hilarious family that also features “Jay-Cee”. On the other side of the shore are the "ordinary" people, who one day are told their date of death, which everyone deals with in their own way. The film is a plethora of bizarre characters, intricately (blackly) humorous situations and unexpected twists and turns that lead to the inevitable end. An imaginative piece of filmmaking that must surely be a thorn in the side of strongly religious people, but I had a literally GODLY time with it.

The Forest hooks you at first glance with its intriguing theme, which is particularly original thanks to the setting of the story in the cursed Aokigahara forest. The film features other horror elements we have seen before (sisters, ghosts, suicide, paranoia, etc.) and therefore leaves an average impression, although the ending was unpredictable (at least for me) – I have to admit that. In short, a film that will probably get lost in the crowd within its genre, but it's still worth watching and let yourself get a little scared.

I read the book years ago, I've never been a die-hard fan of Saint-Exupéry's classic work and I would never blurt out a morsel of wisdom in the book at the drop of a hat, but I still decided to go see the film adaptation in the cinema and I have to say it was worth it. I liked the intertwining of the two stories, which were animated differently, with each having its own charm. More than once I pondered the meaning of life, the contrast of youth vs old age, and let myself ride the wave of an imagination that has no limits unless we set them for ourselves. In short, a nice and colourful caress on the soul, which I would like to return to sometime in the future.

When I went to the cinema to see the most anticipated Czech film of the year, I had both options in mind - that it would either be a hit or a dud, and Lída Baarová hovers precariously between both extremes. The life of one of the most beautiful Czech actresses of the 1930s offers some very dense material for a film, so there was, is and will be some potential here. I have to say that more could have been made of it, but I also have to admit that the film has some captivating and imaginative scenes. The desire for worldliness is often a stumbling block in Czech productions, even though success can be achieved in a nice Czech way, and that is why some sequences look too artificial and mechanical. A big plus for me was the intertwining of two timelines, which complemented each other well – I was also impressed by the voice-over of old Baarová, which was one of those moments when ripping off foreign films paid off. Personally, I was more taken with the second half, as the first, though nicely shot, was more protracted, while the second had more momentum and the tragic nature did its part as well. I won't comment on the use of German in the film, as it would be a long story, perhaps I can only add that in many American films foreigners mostly speak English, so why make such a big fuss over a Czech-speaking Hitler. Lída Baarová will probably not go down in the history of Czech cinema as a spectacular big film, but I don't want to unfairly cast aspersions, because there effort was there.

Right after watching the trailer, Krampus raised great expectations in me, but we all know that trailers are very much for effect, so you have to go to the cinema to see the film's qualities for yourself. I have to say that I got a very good Christmas movie with a memorable atmosphere, which in the end didn't really live up to the expectations raised by the trailer, but that didn't hurt at all. Krampus is definitely not your typical horror movie with lots of scares, ghosts and blood. It's more of a black comedy of sorts, leaving you feeling that Christmas can be anything but a "holiday of peace and quiet", as all the characters in the film find out the hard way. I was intrigued by the make-up effects and the portrayal of the monsters, including the terrifying creature from hell, and I liked the imaginative insertion of an animated insert that illuminated Krampus' story. As a Germanist, I also cheered with joy at the German (or Austrian, who knows) doll, who, next to the spirited auntie, was my favourite of all the characters. All in all, a solidly made Christmas horror comedy that will stay in my mind for a long time thanks to its strengths and not least thanks to the totally unexpected ending, which left me with a rather unpleasant feeling – what losing faith and hope (here on a fantastical and cruel scale) can actually do.

A breathtaking and captivating documentary from the animal kingdom, the success of which lies in the unique footage (not only) from the animal perspective. At times I just stared in disbelief and silently admired the filmmakers who have brought truly unprecedented footage to the big screen. The film is divided into two parts (the chipmunk and the hamster), each of which has its own charm, although I must admit that I liked the hamster part a bit more, as I found it more interesting and suspenseful. I also have to highlight the brilliant sound effects and music work in general, which, together with the excellent commentary and the aforementioned footage, makes this film an unforgettable experience. In short, a documentary that succeeds in every way and is sure to find its fans among viewers of all ages.

An unconventional romantic film that boasts a particularly original premise and a likeable cast featuring Blake Lively, Harrison Ford, Kathy Baker, and Ellen Burstyn. It would certainly be wonderful if we could stay "forever young", but nature has done it justice and one of her laws is natural aging, so there is no danger of watching our loved ones and friends pass away without aging a day. What I liked about the film was how the different time periods in Adaline's life were interwoven (not just) through flashbacks, as well as the incorporation of the comet motif. In short, a nice and sweet film that is a nice pleasant of drama, romance and mystery.

The funniest characters from the Despicable Me finally got their own movie, but I have to say that I’m quite disappointed with the final result. What bothered me the most were the human characters, who came across as too awkward and infantile. Sure, it's for kids, but everything has its limits, right? The Minions themselves were funny and cute, but they kept repeating the same jokes over and over, so it wasn't as entertaining towards the end as it was at the beginning. I'm sorry to say that The Minions are more suited to secondary roles in the original films with Gru or in the shorts. All in all, a mediocre film that, while entertaining, I just expected something better.

An incredibly naive and saccharine film with a nice musical score and a likeable cast, perfect for an afternoon or evening out. It is dramatic in places, but the bright moments still win out in the end, so it really was a film radiating positive energy. In short, a beautifully made and acted film to pass the time, pleasant both to the eyes and the ears.