30 Years of Czech Lion Award Winners
30 titles
- 1
The GardenMovie · 1995 · 99m · Comedy, DramaFeeling stuck in his career and distant from his father, Jakub decides to make a big change. He becomes involved in an affair, which further complicates his life.
He leaves the city for the peaceful countryside and the gardens of his grandfather's estate. There, he meets a mysterious woman who deeply captivates him, and he experiences love in an unexpected way.
Jakub embraces a new life filled with exciting adventures, but when strangers arrive, it becomes clear that his newfound happiness may face challenges.
This story explores how change can be transformative, the healing power of nature, and the importance of embracing love. As Jakub navigates his new life, the audience witnesses a captivating journey of love, growth, and self-discovery.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.2 - 2
Sekal Has to DieMovie · 1998 · 109mComiBaran, a blacksmith who is Protestant, travels to the small village of Lakotice with the intention of killing Sekal, a ruthless Nazi collaborator.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.2 - 3
I Served the King of EnglandMovie · 2007 · 115m · ComedyPrague, Czechoslovakia, in the years between the World Wars. Jan Dítě, a bright young waiter, dreams of becoming wealthy. He believes achieving this requires careful observation, discretion, and using every opportunity to his advantage. However, the unpredictable events of history repeatedly challenge his plans.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8 - 4
The ProtectorMovie · 2009 · 98mA Czech journalist takes a job at a Prague radio station spreading Nazi propaganda to safeguard his Jewish wife. But as Nazi control over Czechoslovakia intensifies, the demands for collaboration strain their relationship, leading to its deterioration.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.3 - 5
KolyaMovie · 1996 · 105m · Drama, ComedyThis touching drama centers on Louka, a Czech cellist who unexpectedly marries a Russian immigrant after a quick romance. He then faces the added responsibility of caring for her young son. Facing initial difficulties due to a language barrier, Louka and the boy slowly develop a strong connection that overcomes cultural differences.
Directed by Oldřich Lipský, a key figure in the Czech New Wave, the film explores love, responsibility, and the strength of human bonds. The beautiful score, featuring cello performances by Louka, creates a feeling of warmth as it examines the challenges of this unusual family. As they learn to communicate, both Louka and the boy find comfort and profound meaning in their relationship with each other.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.3 - 6
Something Like HappinessMovie · 2005 · 102mIn a small town struggling with the effects of industry, Tonda and Monika, who have been friends since they were children, spend a year exploring the possibility of a life together. A life where they are able to be with each other – a life that seems impossible. But is it?IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.2 - 7
Winter FliesMovie · 2018 · 85mConfident and playful Mára, along with the quirky Heduš, embark on a road trip into the frozen wilderness. Mára is about to turn fifteen, and they're determined to make the most of it – by car. This film explores the small joys found even in winter, the enduring connection of close male friendships, and the powerful urge to seek out new experiences, even without a clear destination.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.4 - 8
The Idiot ReturnsMovie · 1999 · 100mFrantisek returns to his family after a life spent avoiding relationships. Seen as naive and simple-minded, he unexpectedly finds himself caught in a series of romantic and familial disputes. His ability to see the truth in people stems from his sheltered existence and lack of experience with the complexities of life.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 9
The Snake BrothersMovie · 2015 · 111mIn a small Czech town near Prague, brothers Grass and Cobra struggle to find satisfaction in their late twenties and early thirties. Both burdened by a troubled family, they feel trapped. Grass, unemployed and still searching for love, is haunted by his brother Cobra's disruptive influence. A chance at a promising new venture and a relationship with a local waitress offer Grass a glimmer of hope. But Cobra's addiction resurfaces, threatening to destroy everything he's worked for. Determined to seize this opportunity for happiness, Grass decides to confront his brother, a decision that spirals into unforeseen and terrifying consequences.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.2 - 10
Ice MotherMovie · 2017 · 106mFollowing her husband's passing, Hana lives alone in the family villa. Her sons visit with their families, but their visits often lead to arguments. Then, Hana meets Brona, a resilient man accustomed to winter swimming, and a whole new world unfolds. Brona’s teammates welcome her, and Hana slowly conquers her fear of cold water. A loving relationship develops between Hana and Brona.IMDb 6.8TMDB 4.2 - 11
Big BeatMovie · 1993 · 110mSet in a peaceful Prague neighborhood in the late 1950s, this period musical comedy uses the story of an outsider to explore a changing society and generational differences. The film centers on a young man named Baby, whose introduction of rock and roll sparks a local uprising in a Communist community accustomed to swing music.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.3 - 12
Flower BudsMovie · 2011 · 93mFlower Buds follows a family in a small town as they slowly unravel, each driven by their own desires. Agata dreams of a happy life elsewhere, understanding escape means abandoning her family. Honza trusts in the power of love, no matter its origins. Kamila is optimistic about the future and refuses to accept current hardship. Jarda accepts his own limitations, never trying to change himself or the world. He views his gambling addiction, which has created a dire situation, as inevitable. A genuine attempt to save the family arrives too late, proving to be a desperate and ultimately futile gesture.IMDb 6.5TMDB 4.4 - 13
The BohemianMovie · 2022 · 141m · Drama, HistoryIt is 1764. For a year, Josef has struggled to establish himself in Venice, dreaming of a career as an opera composer. The city’s established composers make it difficult for him to find work as a violinist. However, he gains access to high society through a wealthy young woman, playing at salons. His fortunes change when he becomes involved with a libertine marquise, who cultivates his refinement and introduces him to a life of pleasure and freedom from religious constraints. Transformed by this experience, Josef receives an extraordinary commission: to compose an opera for the San Carlo, Europe's grandest theater.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.1 - 14
BrothersMovie · 2023 · 135mThis film is based on the true story of Josef and Ctirad Mašín, two brothers who attempted to escape communist Czechoslovakia in 1953. Their goal was to join the US army in West Berlin.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.5 - 15
Boredom in BrnoMovie · 2003 · 103mA black-and-white comedy following two young people in a dull city, Brno, as they seek to lose their innocence.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.2 - 16
Little Girl BlueMovie · 2007 · 95mJulie appears to have it all: a loving husband, a teenage daughter, a successful yet easygoing job translating, and a beautiful new home. However, she harbors a secret that is gradually disrupting her perfect life.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.3 - 17
WavesMovie · 2024 · 131m · Thriller, Drama, HistoryIn the late 1960s, amidst the rise of rock music and widespread social change, an older brother takes a job at a respected public radio newsroom. He quickly becomes embroiled in a perilous clash between the journalists and the Secret Service.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 18
ButtonersMovie · 1997 · 102mThis film presents six short stories, largely exploring themes of an ancient curse, infidelity, unusual occurrences, a surprising miracle, and insincere forgiveness. Each story has its own distinct structure and atmosphere, yet they share underlying motifs, examining similar situations from various perspectives.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 19
Year of the DevilMovie · 2002 · 88mFilmmaker Jan Holman documents the tour of hugely popular singer-songwriter Jaromír Novahica with his band Cechomor. Their collaboration is highly successful, but it takes a significant personal cost on both the musicians and Jan Holman himself.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.6 - 20
The Karamazov BrothersMovie · 2008 · 110mDostoevsky's epic novel exploring a family of siblings and their father is a cornerstone of world literature, grappling with fundamental questions of morality and faith: Does God exist? Is there a devil? And in a world without moral boundaries, are all things permissible? Even the question of whether patricide can be considered a crime arises. Czech director Petr Zelenka's adaptation, *The Karamazovs*, follows a group of actors from Prague as they travel to Krakow, Poland, to stage the play in a decaying steelworks for the Closer to Life Festival. The project seems cursed from the outset. Upon arrival, the building is structurally unsound, forcing the actors to wear helmets. Their only regular audience member is a factory worker (Andrzej Mastalerz) who observes rehearsals rather than attending to his seven-year-old son, who is grieving a tragic accident at the factory.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 21
CharlatanMovie · 2020 · 118m · DramaIn the early 1900s, herbalist Jan Mikolasek gained fame and wealth by treating many illnesses with unusual methods. A symbol of Czechoslovakia before World War II, he was highly regarded during both Nazi occupation and the communist era, with each regime valuing his skills and offering protection. But as the political landscape shifts again, how much will it cost him to keep his position?IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.7 - 22
Up and DownMovie · 2004 · 108mMilan and Goran are criminals who smuggle illegal immigrants. After one such operation, they find an immigrant has left a baby behind. Milan and Goran decide to sell the baby to Lubos and Eman, who run an illegal baby adoption center. Lubos and Eman try to sell the baby to Miluska and Frantisek, a couple who are unable to have children.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6 - 23
A Prominent PatientMovie · 2017 · 106mIn 1939, Czech diplomat Jan Masaryk flees to the United States, haunted by his recent history. Germany has invaded Czechoslovakia, leaving him stateless. As the Czechoslovak ambassador in London, he failed to secure support from Britain, and feels responsible for his country's downfall and the start of World War II.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.9 - 24
ZátopekMovie · 2021 · 131mAutumn 1968. Australian running legend Ron Clarke travels to Prague, seeking the guidance of his idol, Emil Zátopek, the most celebrated Czech athlete in history, as he faces a major turning point in his career.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.3 - 25
Divided We FallMovie · 2000 · 120m · Comedy, DramaIn 1943, a childless couple, the Čížeks, secretly shelter David Wiener, the son of Čížek's former employer, in their apartment's pantry. Čížek understands the risk to his family and neighbors but considers helping a fellow human being a simple act. However, he privately struggles with fear. The approaching end of the war further complicates matters, as he faces danger from both the Germans and some of his own countrymen.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 26
Walking Too FastMovie · 2010 · 140mA hardened secret agent working in Cold War Czechoslovakia starts to lose his grip as he becomes fixated on the girlfriend of a man suspected of being a subversive. This intense political thriller is a stark and powerful portrayal of how totalitarianism destroys people emotionally.IMDb 7.0TMDB 4.9 - 27
The Painted BirdMovie · 2019 · 169m · War, Drama, ThrillerFollowing the death of his parents, a young Jewish boy journeys through Eastern Europe in search of safety during World War II.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 28
The Way OutMovie · 2014 · 103m"The Way Out" follows Zaneta and David, a young Romani couple raising their daughter Janicka. They struggle against a cycle of disadvantage fueled by racism, societal prejudice, limited job opportunities, lack of qualifications, and difficulties navigating official systems. Burdened by debt and challenging living conditions linked to their ethnicity's traditions and lifestyle, David considers resorting to crime to protect his family. However, Zaneta seeks a different path forward. Will they find a way to overcome the challenges threatening their relationship? Can they uphold their values and traditions while striving for a better future? And will their search for a "way out" truly lead to lasting change, or just another form of escape?IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.3 - 29
Little OtikMovie · 2001 · 132m · Comedy, Fantasy, HorrorDevastated by the news they are unable to have children, a couple struggles with grief. To comfort his wife, the husband carves a wooden figure in the shape of a child from a root found in their yard, then finishes it with varnish. His wife embraces the carving as her own baby and begins to treat it as if it were real.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 30
In the ShadowMovie · 2012 · 106mCzechoslovakia, 1950s. Police Captain Hakl investigates a jewelry heist. The stolen goods lead him to a known burglar, but the case quickly becomes complicated. After being removed from the official investigation, Hakl pursues it independently, venturing into dangerous territory. He faces a powerful adversary and must fight to protect his family and himself.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.2
