A mostly light-hearted coming of age tale, this movie is elevated to even greater heights by the subtle presence of a bittersweet mood, something beyond general frivolity.

Didn't enthrall me, but was still a lot of fun. The telegraphist's little smile while everyone around her is admonishing her was hilarious.

Menzel is infallible

356

I feel hysterical after having finished this. I want to laugh, I want to cry, I don't know what's wrong with me!

There were so many amazing, crucial points in the book that this movie either skipped or put in the movie at the wrong time. It was a fine movie, but the book was much better.

Gentle, touching film. Made during a period of increasing artistic freedom in Czechoslovakia, this shows how the decent instincts in people can survive during difficult times.

A film I appreciate and respect, but which fails to enthrall me. There's plenty to praise - the understated B&W cinematography, the subtle political themes, the way it parallels Miko's sexual maturation with the war, the restrained humor - but for whatever reason, I never felt entirely taken in. There are some odd tonal shifts as Menzel tries to balance rather morose moments with the film's lighter comedic scenes, and it was occasionally jarring. Still, a delightful movie.

Funny and disturbing.

#358

The power women hold over men, and the crazy, silly, sometimes tragic things they make us do. I couldn't care less about the political overtones. An easy-going watch, even if I didn't fall in love with it.

# 377

Pretty decent movie, very cinematic, but by no means the best of the Czech New Wave. It's about sex, mostly. Not all of its humor got to me, for various reasons, but what I liked especially (although it wasn't the central theme of the film) was the pronounced attention to the female libido.

Back in the days when the Oscars were still given for quality, this was bound to get one.

An enjoyable little film with a strange melancholy tone. There are some nice shots and amusing dark comedy, though it doesn't all completely gel together.

Deviously funny and beautifully photographed, but too fast-moving and almost simplistic in outlook. Menzel disguise his tragedy as a low-voiced comedy, but - despite the film's unique spirit - it fails to establish genuine empathy or evoke substantial meditation. A bore.

Probably Jiri Menzel's most famous film, and one which embodies many of his usual virtues. A good quiet film that's somehow never dull

Very good Czech New Wave film about a young apprentice train dispatcher and his initiation to adulthood during German occupation. The comic moments are all delightful, and the political overtones are potent without being too heavy.

Charming.

This film reflects what was unique about Czech New Wave, exploration of serious things that never takes itself too seriously.

It's so sweet and so funny. It's got a serious backbone to it (and a shocking ending), but it's mostly instilled with a sense of fun and humour. I won't go into the plot for fear of spoilers, but some of the developments left me reeling.

huh

351

Didn't fully appreciate this. It's humorous to be sure, and a few of the scenes are great (and some oddly arousing - I speak here of a certain stamp-related scene), but it just never comes together into anything. It's alright, but.. Drags on a bit, and I don't really see what it's trying to do.