Shadowplay

So Dim Mak or Heimlich? That’s what happens when you don’t adhere to Klingon wisdom... A bleak environment frames the quest for fulfillment. Under certain circumstances, the journey can be the goal, but first, you need to define what exactly that fulfillment is. Using those ridiculed boxing parallels, the content is hard-pressed into the ropes by physical form, and although it tries to escape the pressure with evasive maneuvers, it barely makes it to the gong, struggling with ringing in its ears. I did enjoy the passion of both fighters, though... I still can’t decide if I buy Milan Ondrík’s emotional strain in his tormented roles or not. (09/05/2023)

After discovering Krakonoš's secret, I wanted to see that genre by Peter Bebjak, who does it best. Unfortunately, I made a wrong choice again. The shadow play had the potential of a suspenseful and dark psychological thriller set in bleak, depressing, and gray locations. It ended up as a film that genre-wise drowned in itself, I agree with several other comments that the film is most weighed down by the weak and confused screenplay. Some characters seem unnecessary and the viewer inevitably asks the question - why do they appear in the story, what is their contribution. Boil some eggs for breakfast? The cast is selected wonderfully, but again there is a but - I admire Vladimír Javorský, he can play almost anything, but the investigator doesn't suit him, he's not trustworthy. Dominika Morávková didn't get much space and, given the plot, we could have seen much more of Jana Jankovský too. Unfortunately, I have to say that even this didn't work out for Peter Bebjak, although I wasn't bored like with Krakonoš, so I give half a star extra. (26/12/2022)

Slovak drama that fervently tries to have depth and immerse itself deeply into the spheres of psychological breakdown in order to come to terms with the feeling of guilt. Milan Ondrík occasionally overacted a bit unnecessarily for my taste and somewhat spoiled the impression of that serious tone with his almost animal-like acting performances. As a drama, it was decent, but after a promising first half, it ultimately fizzled out a bit and lacked a deeper message. (23/06/2022)

Shadowplay lured me to the cinema mainly thanks to a good trailer, a decent cast and a genre that, according to the previews, smacked of a dense crime-thriller. After watching it, I have to say that they did not make full use of the potential that lay dormant in the premise. If it had ridden a similar wave as the opening sequence, Shadowplay would have been a solid representative of its genre, but I had the feeling that the stiffing prologue was followed by scenes that skimmed the surface instead fo really digging into the core, which wasn't helped by the grimly stylized visuals. Of the actors, I was most impressed by Hynek Čermák and Vladimír Javorský, I had rather mixed feelings about Milan Ondřík, and Leona seemed a bit out of place. Weaker three stars! (08/04/2022)

Who would've thought? Pustina felt like a tweaked version of Forbrydelsen, showing what Czech moviemakers can pull off when they get the opportunity. Now, Stínohra is on the same vibe (not claiming to be on the same level, though), just in film format. I was sceptical at first but the end result blew away even my wildest expectations. Got treated to a legit thriller with an excellently-crafted grim atmosphere and some solid acting. Director Peter Bebjak seems dead-set on changing my view of Czech film, especially after all those cookie-cutter romantic "comedies" with the same old faces like Hřebíčková, Langmajer, and Dyková. This fresh take, giving off those Nordic crime story vibes, really hit the spot for me. Fingers crossed Bebjak keeps this streak going because I'm all for more of these. Yeah, there are some flaws, sure, but the fact is, this film can stand tall in the global arena. Compare it to the latest celebration of a jerk, and it's a clear winner by a long shot. In my book, the victims matter more than the murderers. / Lesson learned: Self-sacrifice doesn't always have to be led by fanaticism. Banzai! (04/10/2022)