Marketa Lazarová

Markéta Lazarová is certainly rightly referred to as the best film of Czech cinema, and even though I think better films have been made here, I still have to acknowledge its unmissable qualities. I definitely have to praise the craftsmanship, which is of a high standard for its time: from the amazing raw images of the Middle Ages, to Zdeněk Liška's unmistakable music, to the incredibly authentic production design. The story is very well constructed by being divided into two parts and interspersed with a plethora of allegories and symbols, but its biggest weakness for me was its excessive scope, which toyed with my perception as a viewer. In short, one of the gems of filmmaking created during the golden era of Czech cinema, shot in such a way that it has been able to stand the test of time. (01/07/2015)

Marketa Lazarová is a work that should shed the myth and once again become one of the more interesting pieces of the 1960s and not the only chosen film among all of them. If it were to remain the chosen one, it would have to be absolutely versatile, no matter what criticism or pigeonholing it grappled with. It would have to live up to the symbiosis of the audience and the art film - an excellent acting film in which artistic license, dramatic adaptation, and the depicted stage in history work. Marketa is unique in many ways, but the film is not perfect. Bringing it back down to earth makes it an even better film. (09/12/2012)

Some movies can be enjoyed like a hamburger, and some are enjoyed only by experienced gourmets. Marketa Lazarová is not a sandwich in a bun that can be chewed between writing text messages and gaming on the computer. It is a long film, but completely different from the long films from Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. To enjoy Marketa Lazarová means to be relaxed, receptive, and appropriately tuned in. It is truly a demanding film that requires concentration because it has minimal dialogue and speaks through visuals and music. The film will likely be appreciated by those who do not hesitate to spend time visiting galleries or reading poetry collections. Such individuals will embrace František Vláčil's symbolism and poetic scenes, the play of light and shadows, or the panoramic long shots of the foggy marshy landscape, where the putrid smell can literally be felt from the image...The actors are good, but Marketa Lazarová is a film that is watched for its direction, camera work, and music. At the same time, it is a film that benefits from a big movie theater screen. Overall impression: 100%. (08/12/2007)

Probably my greatest cinema experience. I don't know what I could praise first, the cinematography, Liška's esoteric music, the acting (the incredible Kemr), the locations – everything is perfect. A film with a multi-layered plot that captivates with its visual beauty, which combined with the magical music creates an almost spiritual experience for the immersed viewer. Markéta Lazarová is a three-hour-long visual composition, a cinematic poem to which you will either open your heart and let yourself be carried away by the raw images of the harsh Middle Ages, or you will be bored. It will depend on how sensitive you are… And by the way, Markéta Lazarová has been a regular winner of all polls for the best Czech film of all time since its release. (16/07/2002)

A film that is definitely not for everyone and will probably never be sufficiently appreciated by the general public. I too found the poetically conceived story a bit of a problem, but if I look at everything else – the detailed direction, the beautiful sets, the actors (the amazing Kemr) and especially the incredible atmosphere of the evil Middle Ages underscored by fantastic music – I have no choice but to give this gem a full rating. Vančur's distinctive approach commands respect, and František Vláčil perfectly captured it here and brought to the world a legendary film unparalleled in the history of Czechoslovakia. 90% (05/05/2013)