Liebe nach Fahrplan

A classic of world cinema, perhaps even more appreciated abroad than here. A brilliant portrait of a young man and his sexual frustrations against the backdrop of the difficult times of the Protectorate. Vlastimil Brodsky's portrayal of a Nazi officer and his iconic line "The situation of our armies, fighting for the welfare of all the nations of Europe, whether they like it or not, is most favorable" are unforgettable. The stamping of the young dispatcher's bottom by Somr is probably the most erotic scene in the history of Czech cinema. A well deserved Oscar. (13.04.2003)

In the mid-60s, a new wave from France spilled over into Czech film productions and young filmmakers expressed their desire to shoot completely differently than before, and they were interested in different protagonists and a different storytelling style. Until then, heroism, naturalism, and ideological activism had been required in war and occupation themes. Jiří Menzel went a different way. His film is melancholic and full of poetic stylization. He approached the suffocating atmosphere of the protectorate and the tragic story of a teenage boy as a tragicomedy full of gentle humor and irony. Even the exemplary collaborator, councilman Zednicek played by Vlastimil Brodský, functions more as a harmless fool than a bearer of evil. Menzel does not try to moralize and certainly does not use the pathos so beloved in the 50s. He understands his flawed imperfect characters and judges their actions with indulgence. In addition to the fact that Menzel's early work perfectly suits my taste, Closely Watched Trains also appeals to me for two other reasons. I identified to a considerable extent with the uncertain Miloš Hrma brilliantly portrayed by Václav Neckář, as he reminds me of the naivety of my youth. I understand that character and sympathize with him. Last but not least, it is also appealing to me that Menzel, among the radically experimenting creators of the New Wave, did not lose the desire to tell human stories in his own way and slowly. Overall impression: 90%. (13.09.2017)

The Oscar-winning collage on the loss of virginity in the Protectorate was never a film of my dreams. I have always been depressed by the lack of historical accuracy of the costumes and make-up of all the characters. All the scenes from the photo studio, where the famous song from the operetta is playing in the background, are absolutely irrelevant. Neckář is very immature, Somr is sneaky, and Ježková is classically annoying as hell. I simply don't know that type of Protectorate and I don't believe the illusion for a second. And when Brodský sovereignly walks into the solitary performances with his pro-Reich speeches, it's like a different film, which should have been made by someone else and completely differently. (16.11.2014)

Bohumil Hrabal could weave such human stories as nobly as Jiří Menzel could direct them. Besides the specific setting and, especially, the period, which reflects certain characteristics and moods, Closely Observed Trains has a really well thought-out romantic subtext in the form of the indefatigable womanizer Josef Somr and the shy young man Václav Neckář, who make a really excellent acting duo. Once again, Hrabal's somewhat strange style, which prefers to focus on an attractive female backside rather than on the atmosphere and the hardships of that heated period, comes into full play here. Maybe it didn't quite fit me, but without it, this ridiculous drama probably wouldn't be what it is today... (29.08.2012)

One of those Czech films that appear unnoticeable, but once you watch them, you understand why there was so much fuss about it. "Closely Watched Trains" is a remarkable depiction of Hrabal's work, as well as human nature. The acting is absolutely excellent, and some lines and scenes are simply unforgettable. "You know, I thought you would handle it" completely knocked me down. (02.12.2014)