EarDelightBase Waste of Money.

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Matho The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

Isbel A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

marijasrndovic I saw the movie a couple of days ago and found it absolutely amazing. It was at the same time beautiful and dark, laden with symbols, especially when it comes to colours. It actually felt quite primal, with the scenes of burials and weddings, it really reminded me of my own country's customs and legends. Even though it's a different religion, it just gave away a Slavic feeling, and I recommend it to anyone who'd like to get to know the central/eastern European culture. I think the acting was maybe a bit forced, but I also think it couldn't have been done any other way, this isn't a movie to be seen as a story with a plot, action and a glorious happy-end, this just speaks to something a lot deeper inside you. Not to mention the fact that it is all rhymed, which always makes it more difficult for the actors to make it feel completely natural. Besides, there are scenes where there are practically no lines at all, where the acting was amazing (the Noon witch is my favourite example). I'd like for someone to post me on the last story, though. I haven't read the book (I doubt I'll find it here)and I'd like to see if I understood it correctly: the old lady is actually one of the girls (the red-headed), and what she saw in the lake many years ago was her own death at the church...?

idaho_d I think the movie is absolutely great. I got stuck by the camera and stories that every Czech know from the primary school so good. Camera is amazing, somewhat like "Hidden dragon crouching tiger". Next thing which stunned me was a music and I knew I must have the OST. Actors were pretty good, I don't know what the writer of the before comment was awaiting. It is more an epic play made of Erben's verses than a movie. Story is not narrated only by the actor's performance, but also by the mood of scenes (colours, music, costumes). One must think a little more as it isn't an action movie. Though some action can be found there too. With exception of the last story which is incomprehensible without knowing the original poem, remaining parts are simply perfect.

Gonkiz This movie is based on Czech ballads from the 19th century, and it shows. There are seven stories told in this movie, and all of them are incredibly beautiful. The film might seem a bit scattered and incoherent the fist twenty minutes, because it does not follow the ordinary storytelling that we are used to in Hollywood productions. Nevertheless, after the first story, the film makes more and more sense. It is SO beautiful. The imagery is so unreal, so exquisite, that I have a hard time describing it. If you get the chance, see it.

gulag Kytice (The Bouquet or Garland) is an exquisitely beautiful compendium of Czech fairy tales in an mature mode. These is not fairy tales ala Disney. Rather this is 'Marchen', the serious mythopoeic stuff. These are fairy tales with a very dark brooding Eastern European flavour. I happened to fall upon this by accident in Prague in December of 2000. I did not understand the dialogue since I do not speak Czech. But then again I really didn't need to. The images were absolutely stunning. The film is a collection of seven stories loosely bolted together with an over riding theme. Visually I was reminded on "A Company of Wolves" or even "Immoral Tales", the blending of the genuinely erotic with a very dark undercurrent of death and fate were however quite beautiful. The stunning visuals did not need American special effects (and predictability) to convey absolutely unforgettable images. I recommend this with the highest and richest enthusiasm. Hunt this down. On a trip to Europe if need be. And, if you can, bother some distributors to translate this and get it out to the English speaking world.I won't spoil the plot anymore... you must see it for your self. Gulag.