philipsmith2

A solidly made film with some good performances, especially from Martin Huba as Skrivanek, the maitre d'. The film seems to linger too much on some of its set-pieces, usually involving naked women either bedecked with an assortment of fruit and flowers or being leered at by rich old duffers. This criticism might be a bit harsh as the sumptuous visuals are integral to the film but I did feel the pace slowing down a bit.

The director, Jiri Menzel, is famous for another Hrabal adaptation, 'Closely Observed Trains' and may have been regarded as a safe pair of hands for this job. However, I do wonder whether a younger director would have made more of the adventurous weaving together of episodes in the book. That said, the film does have a real feel for the flavour and atmosphere of the book. The cast are particularly well chosen and there are some wonderfully characterful faces cropping up.

In short, a pleasant experience but shouldn't garner any awards outside the Czech Republic.

It's great to see a film that moves along so freely and easily but also has a clever writer behind it.

Someone mentioned that the film was being touted as Trainspotting shot in Canada with laughs. Trainspotting didn't cross my mind once during this film. I liked Trainspotting when it came out, but if there was one criticism you could make it was that the film took itself a little too seriously. Thankfully this film doesn't and is all the better for it. Everything about it feels fresh and you really get the feeling that everyone involved enjoyed making it. The acting has a nice improvised quality and script is a perfect mix of playful whimsy and taut storyline.

If you got out the wrong side of the bed, don't go and see this. If you're looking for an enjoyable and refreshing 90 minutes that restores your faith in low budget films, buy a ticket.