Dukla 61

A nice Czech two-part film about a real tragedy in a coal mine in Czechoslovakia in 1961, in which 108 miners died. Indeed sober colours give the movie a vintage atmosphere. The movie focuses in a specific family of miners, their issues and conflicts. The relationships and backgrounds are very well developped and that makes part 1 the best of both. Part 2 is more into the accident itself, and, while it is also well done, it rests in a lower level than the deep former segment. An important political issue appears throughout the movie: Eastern European regimes did not solve (did it partially at best) a core dysfunctionality of capitalism: people worked due deprivation and survival needs, and often did it in poor and deplorable conditions. Documentary testimonies enriches the film, while all actors have excellent performances.

Just saw this at the California Independent Film Festival. Awesome film. Great acting and photography. I would watch this again for sure.

Andrew Koponen