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)

Impressive images, thoroughly dramatic actors, and - none of it. When the story can be summarized in two sentences, the long shots are on the absolute verge of tolerance, and only the impressive musical background saves what can be saved, I realize that I am incapable of approaching the poetics of this type. (05/04/2006)

More challenging than many (even the last) Malick, but undoubtedly a beautiful film with perfect images, Liška's beautiful music, an incredibly medieval atmosphere, great performances (Josef Kemr and Vladimír Menšík in particular) and a story full of thoughts and question marks that will surely make me want to watch Marketa Lazarová again soon, and let me tell you, I'd love to.__P.S It happened, and now I'm adding a fifth star. (07/10/2011)

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)

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)