The Firemen's Ball

A brilliant comedy that is more chilling than funny. Under the commies, every critical film was said to hold up a mirror, and that is very accurate for this film. The fire brigades protested, but it's not about them at all, this film has a much deeper message. The scene with the old man at his burning house is one of the saddest I've ever seen. (04/13/2003)

Tragicomic film, where personally I feel more emphasis on the tragedy because even though the movie is quite relaxed, I can't help but see how people behave and how these caricatures in Forman's film are real. Hypocrisy, greed, disrespect, and mediocrity, all hidden under the fact that you have some, basically any title. (06/21/2015)

The best film by Miloš Forman, among those he created before leaving for America. At the same time, it is a sophisticated and disturbingly effective sarcastic allegory of real communism in the Czech environment. Filled with biting lines, humorous situations, excellent acting, and smart filmmaking that helped Forman make a name for himself internationally. "Move his bed closer to the fire so he can warm up." Despite the undeniable cruelty of many scenes, I really love this film. The foreign producer was once desperate about the selection of girls for the beauty queen contest, but evidently did not understand that the director was aiming for something entirely different. Overall impression: 95%. (06/13/2006)

A well deserved great cult-classic, whose humour will be relevant for a long time thanks to the perfectly cast non-actors. The scene with the selection of the beauty queen in particular is simply flawless, especially the expression of Šebánek and co. after the arrival of all the girls' "jewels". Miloš Forman had it in the bag from the beginning of his career, he knew what to expect from a film and what to do about it, and this funny and nostalgic movie is a clear proof of that. (08/26/2012)

Miloš Forman applied his excellent observational talent through a reflective portrayal of the contemporary political atmosphere. The final fire brigade meeting on the topic of "those who stole are doing well" is the best evidence of that. An unrestrained satirical view of typical Czech pettiness that blindly aspires to high goals – the beauty pageant, and then skillfully combined with folk humor – the quarrel of old spouses over who will watch the tombola. At first glance, it may seem naively simple, but at its core, it is profoundly intelligent and incredibly truthful to the extent that the safe was absolutely "justified" in its time. (09/28/2005)