At' zije Republika

Nov 5 1965 N/A 2h 14m
Drama, War

Oldrich is the runt of his village, beaten by his father, bullied by the other boys. But he has imagination on his side, and a wiry toughness they can’t defeat. The village is in turmoil, because the Nazi occupiers have just retreated and the Red Army is advancing. Oldrich dodges amid the mayhem and panic, taking his share of blows but always managing to stay one step ahead. Beautifully shot and darkly ironic, Karel Kachyna’s forgotten masterpiece jumbles reality, memory and fantasy to capture the intensity and confusion of childhood in a war zone.

Plot

It is the spring 1945 and the front line is getting closer to the small Moravian village of Nesovice. Twelve-year old Oldrich Vareka, nicknamed Shorty for his tiny stature, observes the events around him, recalls his memories and also finds comfort in his fantasy. Although he is an only son, his father treats him harshly and brutally punishes his every trifle. Maybe he wreaks his vengeance on him for his own unsuccessful effort to compete with the richest farmers in the village. The boys from the wealthy farms poke fun at Shorty and he takes his revenge on them in petty malice.

Written by

Karel Kachyna, Jan Procházka

Directed by

Karel Kachyna

Cast

Frank Argus, Josef Barta, P. Bohdanecky

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

Czechoslovakia

Production Companies

Filmové studio Barrandov, Ceskoslovenský armádní film

Languages

Ceský

Awards

2 wins

Scores
# of Votes
333
Average Rating
7.6 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA