Baron Prášil
Directed by:
Karel ZemanCinematography:
Jiří TarantíkComposer:
Zdeněk LiškaCast:
Miloš Kopecký, Jana Brejchová, Rudolf Jelínek, Karel Höger, Eduard Kohout, Jan Werich, Bohuš Záhorský, Rudolf Hrušínský, Miloslav Holub, František Šlégr (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
In The Fabulous Baron Munchausen, Karel Zeman conjures the adventures of the legendary, boastful baron, whose whirlwind exploits take him from the moon to eighteenth-century Turkey to the belly of a whale and beyond. A kaleidoscopic marvel that blends live action with techniques including stop-motion, cutout collage, puppetry, painted backdrops, and antique tinting, Zeman’s film is an exhilarating visual delight and a warmhearted whirl through a bygone age too entrancing to have existed. (Criterion)
(more)Reviews (4)
An eighty-minute showcase of the Master's imagination with the irresistible Miloš Kopecký in the lead role and a completely unique and detailed visual design, even for international standards. Even Gilliam's version couldn't top this nearly 50-year-old gem. It is no wonder that Karel Zeman's films have made it into the curricula of foreign film schools. Karel Zeman is a film personality of worldwide importance!!
()
Incredible geyser of visual fantasy and unique artistic ideas combined with top-notch acting led by Miloš Kopecký as Baron Prášil. Excellent script, camera, editing, simply from my perspective, this film does not have any visible flaw even after decades. A tribute to old Mr. Melies. Overall impression: 90%.
()
Very nice. While Journey to the Beginning of Time was also characterised by a perfectly paced narrative, Baron Munchausen is mostly a relentless and at times contrived episodic showcase of Zeman’s wonderful visual fantasy, the effect of which may have faded with the years, but the purely cinematic joy combined with the creative movement of the mise-en-scène will never get old. And Kopecký is of course awesome. 75%
()
Watching the movies of Karel Zeman is simply an incredible experience because they are films so unique and specific that you have to admire them. The animation and filmmaking techniques that Zeman uses are truly unbelievable. But the effect they have is also unbelievable, it is simply breathtaking and his portrayal of whales or other creatures is just beautifully magical. And that is how the whole story is as well.
()