Zbabělec

Experience has taught me that you truly get to know a person when they are exposed to extreme situations. People discard their masks and deeply hidden emotions and their hidden character traits float to the surface. The one who inspired trust disappoints, while the outsider unexpectedly surprises. Heroism is a deceitful concept. A person can behave heroically without even realizing the risks of their actions and their threatening consequences for themselves and others. Heroes are individuals who, in a different context, may appear as adventurers and irresponsible individuals. Medals for bravery are awarded in times of war to those who would have ended up in prison or in a psychiatric ward during peacetime. The sad hero of this story does not want to be a hero. Risking his life is the last thing he would do. But sometimes life gets in the way. The created situation didn't feel artificial to me, and I had no problem with the psychological persuasiveness of the characters. For me, it is one of the most successful war films in Czech cinema. I also appreciate that it is not schematic when portraying the enemy. The German commander is not a clear monster, as he acts under the pressure of circumstances and it is evident that he does not try to push the situation to extremes. Overall impression: 75%. (23.09.2017)