Krakatit

Given the previous experience of Czech cinema with Karel Čapek, Vávra has managed to take his theme to a new level. It was only the combination of Čapek's short stories and Krakatit in the first post-war years that brought the first virtually unproblematic adaptations of Čapek to the movie theater screen. Ten years after his death. What followed is a different story, but I personally appreciate the fact that it was at this time that Vávra joined Frič's and Bielik's efforts not to forget him. (2013.01.03)

Your satisfaction with Krakatit largely depends on your ability to watch the film through the eyes of a viewer from the 1940s. From today's perspective, much can be deduced from the film, especially the acting of Karel Höger which tends towards pathos. At the time of its creation, the impressive scenes now appear cheap. However, in the late 1940s, Vávra's film undeniably presented an atmospheric and thematically urgent spectacle. The nuclear mushrooms over Japanese cities were still fresh in people's memories. Although Vávra adapted Čapek to the post-February conditions, and thus the anti-imperialistic dimension of the film cannot be overlooked, unlike the later version, the update does not feel forced or ridiculous. Jiří Plachý's portrayal of Ambassador D'Hémon as a supporting character is noticeable and adds a necessary touch of mystery and darkness to the drama. Overall impression: 75%. (2019.01.17)

A breathtaking spectacle. Otakar Vávra has made a beautifully dreamy noir film, all in a Czech setting and with absolutely unique scenes that you don't see much in Czech cinema. This is simply a beauty to behold; you'll enjoy every scene, even the surreal approach to the whole piece, where I felt like this is the best adaptation I've seen or read in a comic book. (2015.12.11)