Podezření

It's about people. About the ordinary ones who find themselves under pressure and then it is shown who they really are. So, of course, don't expect anything good - apart from riveting performances and a brilliantly chilling script. After a few minutes I was convinced that I wasn't in the mood for such a film today and would watch it another time - but then it sucked me right in and gave me no choice. As soon as Rudolf Hrušínský began to demonstrate the illustrative cross-examination to Vlastimil Brodský, I couldn't help but watch to the end. (18/05/2017)

This forgotten television play is a big surprise for me. I highly appreciate the excellent script by Jiří Hubač, the direction, and the cast, which led to the creation of an impressive absurd play about human fear, adaptability, and the law of the jungle. Four men are suddenly taken by German soldiers from a hotel during martial law in the Protectorate and locked in a classroom of the local elementary school. They have no idea why they are being detained or what fate awaits them. However, their fear and imagination are working overtime. They construct potential accusations against themselves and prepare their defense. At the same time, they search for the weakest link in their randomly formed group, someone they could offer as a sacrifice to their interrogator. The Gestapo isn't necessary; they can create their own Gestapo within their ranks. The precise performances, led by Rudolf Hrušínský, reminded me at times of his legendary performance in The Cremator. The film also partially reflects the atmosphere of the early normalization period, where the purges were carried out not by Soviet occupiers, but by eager local collaborators. Overall impression: 95%. (15/07/2010)