This film attempts to depict the story of Jan Žižka and his era—the social climate, religious beliefs, political maneuvering, conflicts, and betrayals that defined it. While elements of this narrative could have been compelling, they aren't realized here. The movie boasts talented performers, beautiful settings, a skilled production team, and represents the largest budget ever allocated to a Czech film; however, it doesn’t succeed. Problems exist with the overall structure, the speed at which events unfold, the directing choices, and even the editing. At its heart, the issues stem from the screenplay itself. The initial scenes are encouraging, establishing a world where morality is ambiguous—Žižka and his mercenaries are available for hire, allegiances shift constantly, and certainty is absent except for the inevitable suffering of those born into poverty. From this point onward, however, the film falters. It could have been an exciting journey through Žižka’s life or a deep exploration of how he became the Czech national hero he's remembered as. Instead, it misses these opportunities and includes an unnecessary (and probably inaccurate) romantic subplot while unnecessarily prolonging scenes. The battle sequences appear intense and visceral up close; at a distance, they seem like decent action. There are too many familiar tropes, excessive displays of anguish from the female characters, and far too much wasted screen time. Many sections could have been conveyed in a fraction of the allotted time without sacrificing any content—allowing for more glimpses into Czech history alongside additional battles, schemes, and, if necessary, romantic relationships. **In short: A disappointing use of resources.** It’s best to avoid it unless you're looking for something to pass the time. P.S. The few actors of color included in the cast have been assigned roles as Cumars, alongside some extras with vaguely Asian or Mongolian features. Historically, the Cumans originated from Turkey and were known for their fair complexions and hair—but these are just background characters, right?

Source on TMDB