The Cry

Jaromil Jireš is one of those darlings that it would be great even if he were to record only a sentence or a simple sample for a film. The Cry is a charming film. After all, the theme of the young family is humorously portrayed in Kissing-Time Ninety, for example, so it's nice that here we have a gentle, empathetic solution for a change. And of course with the subtle satire in the side storyline about how today's generation is dancing the twist while the older generation was just broodingly reading French avant-garde. (09/01/2016)

The strongly expressive form, relying on static camera shots, unobtrusive editing, and a slow flow of long scenes in which very often "nothing happens," suits the simple plot about the (un)ordinary day in the life of a married couple. Set in contrast are the opposites of woman vs. man, her big day (giving birth) vs. his ordinary day (working as a repairman), relying solely on the power of the actors' performances, which are beyond reproach. Even though the film lacks a stronger plot, and many scenes are uncomfortably prolonged, it was never boring and left a strong impression as an extraordinary cinematic experience. (12/09/2005)