Maršal

Arguably the best comedy addressing the phenomenon of post-communism ever made. Unlike the much more famous Good Bye, Lenin, it is not based on a single good idea, but on a whole series of absurd, well-pointed situations and lines. It is filled with a multitude of bizarre characters portrayed by relatively unknown but very talented actors. The music in the film, featuring lively, typically Balkan melodies, plays an important role. The humor is not harmless and friendly like in Hřebejk's works; it is much more sarcastic and venomous. "And what about the hotel, Mayor? I privatized it. And the museum? I privatized that too. I won't let it just deteriorate. I bought them cheaply - you know, I don't have money to spare." Vinko Brešan's comedy can be characterized by the slogan, THE BEST OF CAPITALISM AND COMMUNISM - all in a sympathetic and original package. While the second half of the film may see a slight decline in the barrage of jokes and lines, it still deserves a solid five stars. Overall impression: 90%. (30.12.2007)