The Ear

One of the 1001 movies you must see before you die – I don't want to say deservedly, but certainly not by chance. If you can imagine, or at best recall from your own experience, the fear that many people felt at that time, the testimonial value of the already disturbing and brilliantly acted The Ear is indescribable. But even today's generation doesn’t need vivid memories or excessive intelligence to grasp the tremendous power, thought and bravery of Kachyna's psychologically challenging probe, which was strictly forbidden under the comrades. A film that is unforgettable, even though it is not my cup of tea. 80% (05/08/2013)

This story never happened. The things that really happened were much worse (as Jan Procházka noted in his screenplay). “The most banned of the banned" or another busy night for the Minister’s private secretary. A thick atmosphere hand in hand with incredible tension-rise. A psycho(logical) portrait of life in Czechoslovakia in the nineteen fifties (i.e. during the Stalinist period). Kachyňa’s best ever picture. Those are the main ingredients of the best Czechoslovak movie about the impacts of Communism on regular people. (16/03/2022)

A person still has something to learn. This is definitely one of the best Czech films ever made. The story unfolds beautifully, at first it's only about two quarrelsome people who have to live together, but in the end it's about the time they live in. It's completely understandable that the film was banned. And I am immensely glad that it was preserved. A great example of biting criticism, but also excellent direction and great acting performances. (27/07/2015)

Probably the best film showing the communist 1950s not as an exhilarated working class era, but as a time full of fear and widespread snitching. Brzobohatý as a high-ranking communist official and Bohadalová as his wife give the performances of a lifetime. After the Russian occupation this film went into the vaults, of course. Kachyňa made a humiliating apology and survived, but Jan Procházka, with his script, set up his professional suicide. (11/05/2003)

Extraordinary film by Karel Kachyna, which the director had to iron out with the authorities for a long time, while the film went straight into the vault. Top-notch screenplay that perfectly captures the essence of the era and regime, superbly crafted atmosphere that builds up to the final scene. Excellent cast led by Brzobohatý and Bohdalová, simply unique, although somewhat oppressive experience. This is not a movie for pleasant entertainment, but rather a heavy nightmare of our recent history. Overall impression: 100%. (16/06/2006)