Dnes naposled

The aptly portrayed downward spiral of old and young alkies that keeps delaying rock bottom by preferring for its characters to fail over and over again in their attempts to break free from the reins of alcoholism their own way, before it finally leads them to rehab. An uncharacteristically dark experience for where and when it was made. I ought to add that this cheerful song got me into the film. (03.08.2022)

A path into the depths of an alcoholic’s soul. A dark drama that takes place mostly at night and in intimately lighted rooms, Today for the Last Time is at its most powerful when, in long shots, it leaves the alcoholics to deal with the inner struggle that they have already lost. The sense of ruin, intensified by the refusal to use flashes of hope, is lightened by the comedic interludes much less than one would expect based on the casting of the supporting roles (Menšík, Sovák, Bohdalová). František Smolík’s horrifying delirium is a testament to the talent of director Martin Frič (drawing from his own experience here), who made his reputation with comedies, but more than once demonstrated his directorial professionalism in other genres. The unexplained causes of alcoholism force us to adopt a negative opinion of the characters instead of being benevolent toward them, which was probably the educational point of the film (in line with the time when the film was made, the biggest bastard is adorned with gold and spouts English words). Today for the Last Time is suitable as means of preventing alcoholism, but it’s not didactic. 80% (28.11.2011)

An excellent affair. Everything works, and it’s ideally all set in timelessness (it is not important that we have a present)... The characters and their stories are important. I am extremely impressed with all the main performers. I take my hat off to Štěpánek for the first time, I enjoy Ráž, I am amazed again at Smolík, I appreciate Mareš and, strangely enough, I respect Hegerlíková as well. Even Kačírková and Brodský did not disturb the ideal symbiosis with their standards, and I was pleased with Sovák and Struna... My only regret is that the coloring was filled in the extras in equal measure by the ex-stars Mrázek and Ferbasová, as well as the up-and-comers Řehoř and Bohdalová. Marta Fričová, however, won the prize role in the opening using her perfect French. (26.03.2011)

I was amazed at how many acting giants of the time Frič had in front of the camera, and their character effects were truly extraordinary. Menšík is exceptional behind the bar and with the same problems that pub-keeps have to deal with in smaller establishments even today (getting drunk on credit is temporarily more pleasant), Jiří Sovák running his barber shop essentially from the pub, or the traditionally great František Smolík, whose hallucinatory scene in an empty flat almost surpasses the best sequences from Wilder's The Lost Weekend. Although it’s nothing but an innocent look at the issue of alcoholism with the black-humoured remarks of the protagonists, the film still fulfils its purpose excellently and even after all these years it never ceases to be entertaining and topical. 80% (14.07.2016)

This is the kind of film that should be shown in alcohol rehab clinics. Terrific performances! There are no words to describe what Zdeněk Štěpánek does. It’s a pity it isn’t shown on TV. As far as I know, it only aired once, about a year ago on CT2 as part of a programme about booze. (25.05.2002)