Directed by:
Zdenek SirovýCinematography:
Jiří MacháněComposer:
Luboš FišerCast:
Pavel Landovský, Bronislav Poloczek, Alois Švehlík, Jiří Schmitzer, Miroslav Donutil, Josef Dvořák, Rudolf Hrušínský ml., Václav Postránecký, Daniel Landa (more)Plots(1)
Based on Miloslav Švandrlík's satiric novel, the plot takes place during 'deep Communism' in the midst of a special army unit intended for both physically and socially 'unsuitable' persons serving their time in the military. (official distributor synopsis)
Reviews (4)
A very decent cast, professional direction, production, and distribution. If I remember correctly, it was the first privately made Czech film - and naturally, the choice of subject was a safe bet. The book by Miloslav Švandrlík of the same name was a cult phenomenon, which couldn't fail on screen while at least maintaining an average level. The film doesn't have that semi-amateurishness and clumsiness of later Czech commercial films. It's not a great piece of filmmaking, but it is an honestly made folk comedy. Overall impression: 75%.
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A cult film that I only saw in its entirety today. It's a bit of a shame, but I avoided Czech films for a long time. The film has excellent catchphrases that have become iconic. The portrayal of the war, as it was and wasn't back then, is simply excellent. Why not look at it with detachment? I should read the book sometime. I think I would enjoy it even more, but the performances by the actors are absolutely excellent in all cases.
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A classic book adapted to the screen with rarely seen precision and perfection. The brilliant performances dominate a story from the ranks of the Czech People's Army that doesn’t spare apt humour and perfectly lightens the then hated socialist regime.
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I like The Black Barons. They may not have much in common with the atmosphere of the 1950s, but it is a satirical, idyllic film, and that is also how it should be perceived. It's a film literally shrouded in period pathos, which Švandrlík obviously handles masterfully, and it's a film full of excellent actors and non-actors and a great summary of sketches and truly picturesque characters from the period panopticon. Everything is done with ease, naturalness and believability. A good comedy.
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