The Strakonice Bagpiper

Almost slavishly faithful to its theatrical source material both in form and content... Josef Kajetán Tyl's contemporary patriotic sentiment resonated perfectly with the communist nationalism of the 1950s, giving the film priority in both material selection (one of the first color films in Czechoslovakia) and casting. The main character portrayed by Josef Mixa is unremarkable, but the supporting roles are played by leading actors of the time, especially Rudolf Hrušínský, who is excellent in his negative role as Vocilka. This piece doesn't offer much to today's audience, especially due to the absence of the humor and exaggeration typical of successful classic fairy tale films. The film simply lacks perspective and poetics, and a true fairy tale atmosphere. Now it's just a respectfully treated classic and a testament to the thinking of the time. Perhaps only the famous scene with the flying spirits under the gallows will remain in one's memory. Overall impression: 50%. (12/30/2007)