Inhalte(1)
Silvie Dymáková's raw documentary uncovers the manipulation, humiliation and pressure that exist behind the closed doors of "product demonstration excursions for seniors" in the Czech Republic. The sad heroes of her film show us the non-functional saucepans, unused vacuum cleaners, "wool" blankets and bio-lamps they bought during such excursions for tens or even hundreds of thousands of crowns ... and that is the best-case scenario. In exchange for their ID cards, which have been confiscated by sellers, many have signed loan contracts. Despite their shocking experiences, the elderly take part in these events again and again in a bid to escape their loneliness or because they can't say no to the offers. Dymáková succeeded in smuggling a hidden camera into product presentations and, with a psychologist and a lawyer, analysed the high-pressure methods employed. Even while it was being completed, her documentary sparked a deserved uproar when it became clear that dozens of Czech firms were abusing seniors' inexperience, credulity and certain dependencies. (One World)
(mehr)Kritiken (7)
Klaus's invisible hand of the market in its purest form and at the same time a sad example of the (un)effective Czech Trade Inspection and the control mechanisms of this state.
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It was really sickening. That may be the reason for such rating. Nevertheless, this is an example of a documentary that had a purpose and most importantly, had an impact. It helped to get a few bastards in jail, and it helped some people clear their name. And for me, that’s the reason why documentaries should be created.
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Drei Sterne für die rein performative Geste, nach der vielleicht endlich etwas passiert. Als Dokumentarfilm schwankt dies meines Erachtens nach bereits hinter der Grenze des Erträglichen, ein hitziges Thema mit einem solch geschärften Geiste anzusprechen, oftmals mit der Bevorzugung von Emotionen im Vergleich zum Kontext oder dem durchsickernden Messianismus der Autorin (Verwendung der Moldau als Motiv, machtlose Szene mit dem Marsch der Gladiatoren sowie die Märchenszene zum Schluss mit dem weinenden Mariechen). Zumindest die Analyse der Praktiken sowie psychologischen Mechanismen ist interessant und verdienstvoll, wobei die Frage darin besteht, ob beispielsweise der tschechische Film Český sen - der Tschechische Traum ähnliche Dinge nicht in einer viel feinfühligeren und anregenden Art und Weise benannt hat. Stellen denn die Demonstrationen wirklich eine Anomalie dar, oder handelt es sich eher um einen üblichen systemischen Prozess, welcher durch ein Absurdum hervorgerufen wird, und liegt das grundlegende Problem nicht genau in der "Abhängigkeit" der Teilnehmer sowie deren Unfähigkeit, eigenständig zu denken, wobei dies ja keineswegs auf einzelne Rentner beschränkt ist? Der Film hat mir das erzählt, was ich bereits seit Jahren weiß, und das, was ich nicht wusste, wurde mit wenigen Sätzen abgewimmelt. Das braucht doch etwas mehr Analyse, jedoch sofern die entsprechende Debatte mit diesem Film beginnt, warum denn nicht ... P.S. Das Logo der tschechischen Boulevardzeitung Blesk am Ende wirkt unglaublich absurd, und hat mich an ein Mitglied der tschechischen rechtsgerichteten Partei SPO erinnert, als gegen Ende einer Folge der tschechischen Sendung Spřízněni přímou volbou (Direktwahlverwandschaften) den renommierten tschechischen Regisseur Klusák anschreit "von welcher Boulevardpresse sind denn Sie?" Wer ist den hier eigentlich Dreckskerl?
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Based on the quality of filmmaking skills, this documentary does not impress and can be compared to warning consumer journalism. However, its educational and social significance far outweighs the unremarkable artistic qualities of the film. The hidden camera captures the harsh pressure on senior citizens during demonstration events and showcases a parade of human naivety, herd mentality, ignorance, and consumer desires on one hand, and on the other, ruthlessness, manipulation, rudeness, lies, and intimidation. The best defense is to ignore such actions and use common sense and basic taste. The film indirectly corrects the persistently maintained misconception that retirees are the poorest and socially most vulnerable segment of society. If that were the case, then similar questionable companies with their aggressive marketing wouldn't exist, and filmmakers would have nothing to film. In reality, the socially most vulnerable are families with multiple children and disabled individuals. The biggest problem for retirees, at least until now, is not the level of pensions and economic background, but loneliness and social isolation. Overall impression: 65%.
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In terms of this film, I am not seeing enough negative reactions directed at the confession of the guy who openly admitted that he would do the job again. And then there is the "little thing" in that a feature-length Czech documentary announces a problem and addresses a segment of the population that exists in a completely different universe than the audience of a feature-length Czech documentary. And I ask for the intersection of these worlds.
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I gave the movie a rating of 4* not because it was somehow groundbreaking or amazing, but because it shows human stupidity in all its colossal glory. It is clear to all average intelligent people what quality they will get for the money at sales events, but some penny-pinchers let themselves be cheated three times just to drool eagerly at the designated gathering place and look forward to being robbed for the fourth time. We are quickly informed that these mostly retired unhappy individuals are not to blame because they cannot withstand the hardships of today's terrible times, but try to get ahead of such a defenseless person in line at the post office or at Kaufland, I guarantee you will be glad if you do not suffer any harm to your health...
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Go see this movie. Go see it by yourself, with your parents and grandparents. Spread the information about it further. This is a case where the content is truly important. Try to change at least a little something and prevent these people from further profiting from seniors. It won't be easy, but this is a good first impulse. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2013/05/smejdi-2013-80.html
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