"An Ambiguous Report about the end of the World" is a bizarre end of the world fairy tale. It was two years in the making for director Juraj Jakubisko. The story is based on the prophesies of Nostradomus, that's why it takes place in a non existent time. At first I though I was watching a time piece film, but later you see a motorcycle, helicopters and men in contamination suits. Some of the costumes of the film are strange looking, especially if your not familiar with European culture. There is Czech folk outfits, men with feather hats and other strange gypsy like clothes. Don't let the outfits distract you, because the film is simply amazing. The beginning is disturbing as the village is massacred by wolves after a wedding. Even a baby and children fall victim. The musical score was so powerful, that this scene haunted me long after it was over.
In the attack, a man named Goran saves a baby, Verona the mother promises him the daughters hand in marriage when she gets older. Then the movie goes ten years into the future. A circus comes to town and becomes a slight disruption for the village. There's a crazy cast of Felliniesque circus freaks. There's an 8 foot tall lady, a midget and even a monkey. The film even includes a kiss between the the midget and monkey. Weird huh? Finally the film goes further in the future by ten years, but the environment looks the same. Goran finally marries the girl, because she is now twenty. But Goran still has feelings for the girls mother. So the situation turns into a folk gypsy Jerry Springer style drama, except without the trailer court. An Ambiguous Report.... is original and unlike anything you have ever seen. Gorgeous cinematography, heartfelt performances, haunting images and an amazing musical score by Jan Jirasek. Director Juraj Jakubisko won many well deserved awards, including 4 Czech Lions. I enjoy eastern European directors because they put there heart and soul into all their work. A very Ambiguous report, I must say!
