Another incredible film from Vlacil. So much brilliance; the images are fantastic, the handling of the themes particularly as regards religious control is complex and intelligently done, Vlacil's ability to create mood and have you absolutely immersed in his cinematic world is as always impeccable, the story's developments and the interactions between the characters are riveting to behold. Also the plot has some wonderful ambiguity, and the ending is quietly breathtaking.