Silent Pain

A quality film about the difficult period of building communism in the 50s and the sacrifices that the building enthusiasm demanded. It is one of the few films where I don't find that cheap thematic profiteering that characterizes a significant part of Czech post-November productions. But I won't give it 5 stars, although thematically it is strong and supported by the presence of the acting legend Rudolf Hrušínský and a whole range of other great character actors in smaller roles. However, the film could have been better in its direction and technical disciplines. I also feel the unfortunate influence of the old familiar disease of Czech cinema in that the film wants to be like The Black Barons, while its strength lies somewhere completely different. Overall impression: 80%. (26/07/2012)

One of the last films of the golden Czech era, characterised by wonderful actors, a bucolic village setting and a depressing aura of unwanted socialist patronage. Also, one of the last great performances of Rudolf Hrušínský, who was and for many still is the greatest Czech actor in history. A sad, very authentic and at times hilarious account of the popular mood of the time and the problems that, thanks in part to such films, transcend the past. An unjustly forgotten gem and definitely the role of a lifetime for Pavel Zedníček :) 90% (29/10/2013)

Probably the saddest poetic Czech movie story I've seen so far, and also a movie in which Rudolf Hrušínský played one of the main roles – once again beautifully. As always, after all. (14/07/2016)

Nostalgic, ballad-like, complaining, whilst at the same time lacking the violent awkwardness of anti-communist propaganda films. Hollý’s storytelling is interesting precisely because it plays with fragments of time and space, meaning that the film does not become a military cabaret or a bittersweet drama. The film lands somewhere in the middle, and that is why it is believable. (31/03/2008)