Country: Czechoslovakia

Direction Ján Kadár · Elmar Klos

Cast Josef Kroner · Frantisek Zvarik · Ida Kaminska · Hana Slivkova

Synopsis The Shop on Main Street (1965) follows the story of Tono Briko, a lazy carpenter living in Czechoslovakia during World War II. The Nazis are seizing Jewish-owned businesses, and Tono sees an opportunity to please his family by taking over...

Direction Oldrich Lipský

Cast Vladimir Mensik · Jaroslava Obermajerová · Josef Abrhám · Bohuš Záhorský

Direction Dusan Hanák

Synopsis Pictures of the Old World (1972) stands as an undisputed pinnacle of European documentary filmmaking, distinguished by its profound existential themes. This film provides a stark contrast to the superficiality found in numerous other documentaries that merely present images from...

Direction Karel Kachyna

Cast Iva Janzurová · Jaromír Hanzlík · Ludek Munzar · Vladimír Ptácek

Synopsis Kocár do Vídne (Coach to Vienna) (Carriage to Vienna ) (1966) is a gripping World War II drama that follows the harrowing journey of a young Austrian soldier. Fleeing from the relentless pursuit of the Russian army, he encounters a...

Direction Frantisek Vlácil

Cast Josef Kemr · Magda Vásáryová · Nada Hejna · Jaroslav Moucka

Synopsis Marketa Lazarová (1967) unfolds in the tumultuous medieval era, where a small Czech tribe faces the wrath of the King. This epic tale is set against the backdrop of a shifting religious landscape, as Christianity begins to supplant Paganism, leading...

Direction Frantisek Vlácil

Cast Petr Cepek · Jan Kacer · Vera Galatíková · Zdenek Kryzánek

Synopsis Valley of the Bees (1968) follows the journey of Ondrej, a young boy with a unique fascination for bees and bats. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is introduced to his new mother, a woman significantly younger than...

Direction Otakar Vávra

Cast Elo Romancik · Vladimír Smeral · Sona Valentová · Josef Kemr

Synopsis Witchhammer (Witches' Hammer) (1970) delves into the grim era of medieval witch hunts and the brutal inquisition. This film is renowned for its portrayal of the harsh realities faced by those accused of witchcraft during this dark period in history.

Direction Peter Solan

Cast Stefan Kvietik · Manfred Krug · Valentina Thielová · Józef Kondrat

Synopsis The Boxer and Death (1963) unfolds within the grim confines of a Nazi concentration camp, where a condemned escapee is unexpectedly granted a reprieve. The camp's commandant, a former champion boxer, recognizes the prisoner's latent boxing talent and decides to...

Direction Hugo Haas

Cast Hugo Haas · Bedrich Karen · Zdenek Stepánek · Václav Vydra

Synopsis The White Disease (1937) portrays a grim future where a mysterious, leprosy-like illness sweeps across the globe amidst the chaos of war. This chilling narrative is adapted from a stage play penned by the renowned Czech writer Karel Čapek.

Direction Karel Kachyna

Cast Frank Argus · Josef Barta · Gustáv Valach · Eduard Bredun

Direction Karel Kachyna

Cast Jirina Bohdalová · Radoslav Brzobohatý · Jirí Císler · Miroslav Holub

Synopsis The Ear (1970) follows Ludvik, a Communist official, who returns home with his wife after attending a government event, only to learn that many of his associates have been dismissed. Upon entering his residence, he uncovers that his home is...

Direction Jan Švankmajer

Synopsis Dimensions of Dialogue (S) (1982) presents a triptych of unique communication styles. In 'Factual Discussion,' three distinct heads—crafted from fruit, kitchen utensils, and writing implements—engage in an endless cycle of consumption and expulsion. 'Passionate Discourse' portrays two clay figures in...

Direction Juraj Herz

Cast Vlasta Chramostová · Rudolf Hrusínsky · Jiří Menzel · Ilja Prachar

Synopsis The Cremator (1969) follows the story of Karl, an individual employed at a crematorium in the heart of Prague. Driven by an intense dedication to his work, Karl is convinced that his role extends beyond mere cremation; he sees himself...

Direction Jirí Barta

Synopsis The Pied Piper of Hamelin (Krysar) (1985) presents a grim and eerie interpretation of the classic tale. The narrative unfolds in a medieval town plagued by a rat infestation, where the desperate citizens hire a mysterious piper to rid them...

Direction Stefan Uher

Cast Marián Bielik · Jana Beláková · Olga Salagová · Pavel Chrobak

Synopsis The Sun in a Net (1962) presents a poetic narrative about the emotional journey of two young individuals who adopt an air of cynicism and societal rejection to conceal their insecurities, inexperience, and apprehension about adult life. This film marks...

Direction Frantisek Vlácil

Cast Katerina Irmanovová · Anna Pitasová · Karel Smyczek · Vjaceslav Irmanov

Direction Frantisek Vlácil

Cast Miroslav Machácek · Vítezslav Vejrazka · Vít Olmer · Cestmír Randa

Synopsis The Devil's Trap (1962) unfolds in the early 1700s, as a priest ventures into a secluded village to probe the whispers that a miller's family, who miraculously escaped a house fire, are consorting with dark forces. The priest's arrival sets...

Direction Jiří Menzel

Cast Václav Neckár · Josef Somr · Vlastimil Brodsky · Vladimír Valenta

Synopsis Closely Watched Trains (1966) unfolds in a small Czech village during World War II, where a naive and clumsy train dispatcher's apprentice seeks to shed his innocence. Unaware of the war and the resistance movements happening around him, this young...

Direction Jan Švankmajer

Cast Kristýna Kohoutová · Camilla Power

Synopsis Alice (1988) presents a uniquely peculiar adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic tale, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." This film stands out by blending a single live-action performer as Alice with an array of stop-motion animated characters. These creatures vary widely in...

Direction Jirí Trnka

Synopsis The Hand (S) (1965) is a thought-provoking film that serves as a potent metaphor for the struggles of an artist working under the weight of restrictive censorship. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by a creative individual as they...