I, Distressing God

A bit of Brno, a bit of that cute cat Mr. Adolf, a bit of that fake conductor of the Athens Opera. This cruel joke of a short story collection is a showcase for the theme of ego and self. It's not a joyful spectacle, but it is fascinating in its own way to see how that woman's blonde nineteen-year-old ego outgrows the overripe ego of the bon vivant between forty and death. Although I find it a somewhat demanding hobby to read thoroughly the body of Czech literature adapted for film, I will do it for Kundera. (14.08.2016)

A faithful and meticulously directed adaptation of the story from Milan Kundera's short story collection "Laughable Loves." It is among the three most prominent pieces in this book and, unlike the others, which are more melancholic and tragic, it possesses more dynamism and comedic potential. The two main protagonists - Miloš Kopecký as the manipulator and schemer, and Pavel Landovský as the obedient executor - utilize this potential perfectly. The twist is sharply ironic, and if it weren't for the passage of time, it would deserve five stars. Overall impression: 85%. (07.08.2007)

Whether the creators knew it or not, three years after the British Alfie, in which Michael Caine excelled, its equivalent was made in Czechia. Both films have the same "hero", both deal with the same theme, both end in much the same way, and both use quite similar "theatrical" storytelling - Michael Caine and Miloš Kopecký simply stop from time to time, turn to the camera and speak to the audience. And not to forget - both films are great. But the Czech film is funnier thanks to Pavel Landovský in addition to the great Kopecký. (06.10.2011)