Osudy dobrého vojáka Švejka

It's still a silent film, which definitely isn't for everyone. On the other hand, the Švejk character here is simply excellent. Unfortunately, some parts, especially the middle ones, are quite dull, which significantly lowers my overall impression of the film. For today's viewers, however, this compilation of the three original short films is probably better if they decide to watch a silent film. (12/26/2014)

A silent film based on a script so wordy that it couldn't possibly fit a single bare sentence? It worked because Karel Noll is a great Švejk, the screenwriters chose well from Hašek's draft and Martin Frič managed to skillfully edit the existing films into one that has a beginning, middle and end - in short, it works together. Among the other actors and actresses I really liked Antonie Nedošínská as Mrs. Müller and also Karel Lamač as Lieutenant Lukáš (and the innkeeper Palivec). It is a pity that no one dared to compose a more attractive musical accompaniment. Why does the conservative piano still win for silent films when it can be done differently? Check out The Lovers of an Old Criminal with excellent music by Nekonečno, and then it's immediately something else. (03/06/2016)