111 Films: Golden Age of Czech & Slovak Cinema
111 titles
- 101
Silvery WindMovie · 1956 · 98mThe late 19th century. In a small town in South Bohemia, fifth-form student Jan Ratkin navigates the complexities of first love alongside his classmates.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.6 - 102
AliceMovie · 1988 · 86m · Animation, Fantasy, AdventureThis adaptation of 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' tells the story of Alice, a quiet English girl who falls into a world where nothing makes sense. Following a white rabbit, she enters a realm filled with bizarre creatures and objects that defy logic.
In this strange place, Alice meets a series of odd characters who force her to question everything she knows. She learns to be resourceful as she tries to understand the mysteries of Wonderland. The film is a whimsical journey about finding yourself, growing up, and being true to who you are in a world full of surprises. This new take on the classic story combines familiar elements with fresh visuals to create a unique experience.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4
- 103
FaustMovie · 1994 · 97m · Animation, FantasyThis film reimagines the classic Faust story, drawing from works like Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus" and Goethe's "Faust." An unremarkable man, feeling trapped by his routine, discovers a strange map that leads him to an unsettling puppet theatre. Entering the theatre, he's pulled into a fantastical world where live actors, clay animation, and giant puppets blur the lines between reality and illusion. This unsettling mix of theatre and film explores the connection between humanity and the supernatural, prompting viewers to consider their own desires and the price of making deals with dark powers.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.4
- 104
Valerie and Her Week of WondersMovie · 1970 · 73m · Fantasy, Adventure, DramaSet in Czechoslovakia, this coming-of-age story follows 15-year-old Valerie as she grows up. While her body changes, she finds a pair of earrings that change how she sees the world. Reality and fantasy become mixed as Valerie deals with adolescence and her new awareness. She meets Gracian, a priest with a dark secret; an alluring but unsettling stranger who seems almost like a vampire; and a group of unusual carnival performers. As fantasy and reality blend, Valerie tries to understand the magic of her earrings and the people she meets.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9
- 105
When the Cat ComesMovie · 1963 · 104m · Comedy, FantasyIn a charming seaside village, a group of curious children listen to old Oliva, a lively former sailor, recount stories from his adventurous past. He tells them about meeting the mysterious Diana and her cat who wears sunglasses, just as a strange circus arrives in town. The circus's unusual performers and captivating acts feel strangely connected to Oliva’s memories.
The children are drawn into the circus's magic, noticing parallels between the performances and Oliva’s tales. The performers’ enigmatic nature and links to Oliva’s history deepen the children’s curiosity, leading them on a journey of discovery where storytelling and the circus intertwine.
The film is a story about nostalgia, wonder, and the power of friendship set against the backdrop of a whimsical carnival. As reality and fantasy blend, the audience witnesses the heartwarming bond that develops between Oliva, the children, and the circus performers, revealing the true meaning of friendship and imagination.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 106
Diamonds of the NightMovie · 1964 · 67m · Drama, WarTwo young Jewish boys attempt a perilous escape from a train heading to a concentration camp. Their pursuers, elderly but armed home-guardists, relentlessly hunt them. The film explores the strength of the human spirit in the face of war and Nazi opposition, focusing on the desire for dignity and self-respect even under extreme duress. It’s an emotionally powerful story about the enduring need for autonomy in the most difficult situations.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0
- 107
The Man Who LiesMovie · 1968 · 97m · Mystery, Drama, WarSet during World War II, the film explores betrayal, identity, and connection. A man, believed to have betrayed a resistance fighter and presumed executed by the Nazis, unexpectedly arrives in a small town. The family of the deceased rebel initially offers him sympathy. However, as he deals with grief and new relationships, questions arise about his story.
Becoming involved in a romance, he also witnesses a secret relationship within the family. These intense emotions fuel the film's narrative, eventually leading to doubt among those who have taken him in. They begin to question his past and his place in their community.
The movie examines the complexities of loyalty and betrayal, love and suspicion, against the backdrop of war. It asks whether we can truly know others and the choices people make to survive in difficult times.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6 - 108
Celebration in the Botanical GardenMovie · 1969 · 83mMaria, the innkeeper, has always been promised marriage but never actually married. The arrival of Pierre, a lively newcomer, disrupts the quiet village and shows the residents how to embrace joy. E. Havetta's first film is inspired by naive art, French Impressionism, silent comedy, and traditional Slovak folk customs.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 109
Elective AffinitiesMovie · 1968 · 85mThis documentary chronicles the shifting political climate in Czechoslovakia during March 1968. President Antonin Novotny, a staunchly Stalinist leader, resigned, and he was succeeded by the more moderate Ludvik Svoboda. Tragically, just five months later, in August of that year, the Prague Spring would be abruptly brought to an end by a military intervention from the Warsaw Pact forces.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 4.2
- 110
The RideMovie · 1994 · 90mTwo friends buy a car and embark on a cross-country road trip. They encounter a solitary woman and she joins them, and they enjoy a carefree journey together. However, their newfound freedom is complicated by the arrival of a man with a superior vehicle who is searching for her; he claims to be her lover and the first. The truth about the woman's feelings remains a mystery until the very end.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 111
Pictures of the Old WorldMovie · 1972 · 64mInspired by Martin Martinček's photographs of people in central Slovakia's Tatra mountains – images that captured whole lives in fleeting moments – Dušan Hanák’s film is a poetic look at a community untouched by modern life. It presents a series of detailed scenes, offering a deeper understanding of their isolated existence.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 8.1