I totally disagree with Phil Carmody's opening statement about skipping the first 2 minutes. This section may seem totally irrelevant at the beginning but makes complete sense by the end of the film.
I have watched this film at least 5 times and since I own the DVD (PAL format), I am certain to watch it several more times. Each time I watch the film I notice some details I had missed the time before. And the DVD extras help clarify some odd things that happen in the film.
Is this the Czech equiv of Spinal Tap? I would say yes and no. Spinal Tap is pure fiction whereas Rok Dabla incorporates truths from the lives of Jaromír Nohavica, Karel Plíhal, Jaz Coleman, and the band members of Cechomor. These truths however are very exaggerated, but still believable and very entertaining. It is important to remember that these people are real in the Czech Republic and the movie only adds to their mystique.
When watching this film, you should remember this is a film about Karel Plíhal. Quiet and enigmatic, all things in this movie happen because of him. Pay particular attention to the angel theme, especially the comments made by Nohavica about winning a guardian angel from his brother (this is key).
If you can, watch the movie with some Czechs, they can better translate some of the happenings better than the sub-titles can. Especially the lyrics to the songs. Many jokes are at play that are completely missed by the sub-titles.
If you can't get some of the deeper meanings in the film, at least come away knowing Nohavica's Alcoholic Hill!
I have watched this film at least 5 times and since I own the DVD (PAL format), I am certain to watch it several more times. Each time I watch the film I notice some details I had missed the time before. And the DVD extras help clarify some odd things that happen in the film.
Is this the Czech equiv of Spinal Tap? I would say yes and no. Spinal Tap is pure fiction whereas Rok Dabla incorporates truths from the lives of Jaromír Nohavica, Karel Plíhal, Jaz Coleman, and the band members of Cechomor. These truths however are very exaggerated, but still believable and very entertaining. It is important to remember that these people are real in the Czech Republic and the movie only adds to their mystique.
When watching this film, you should remember this is a film about Karel Plíhal. Quiet and enigmatic, all things in this movie happen because of him. Pay particular attention to the angel theme, especially the comments made by Nohavica about winning a guardian angel from his brother (this is key).
If you can, watch the movie with some Czechs, they can better translate some of the happenings better than the sub-titles can. Especially the lyrics to the songs. Many jokes are at play that are completely missed by the sub-titles.
If you can't get some of the deeper meanings in the film, at least come away knowing Nohavica's Alcoholic Hill!
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