What a unknown gem!


Just got done seeing this, it looked interesting at the library rental racks so I decided to check it out from sheer curiosity. I can't believe how good a film this is! *****, 10/10, A+, if you like to watch films from the Criterion Collection like I do you can't miss this. It's not that I haven't seen any other films like this, but it's still worth checking out.

This is a WWII comedy/drama about a young Czech teen who takes up a job as a train station assistant. At first it seems like a sarcastically silly farce on bureaucracy, but for anybody who reads between the lines can see this as more of a social commentary about the little people of war.

But then again it’s more than that. It’s also very entertaining and absolutely hilarious with a certain sense of charm and innocence to it. The kid Milos and boss train dispatcher Hubicka are two of the most likeable characters I’ve ever seen in any film, though the latter is a shameless womanizer and the former is a terminal virgin (in fact very similar to Dustin Hoffman’s character in “The Graduate”). Yes there is a lot of sex in the film, but no nudity and no actual showing of it, it’s actually more suggested which makes it all that more of a guilty pleasure to watch. The villain, Counselor Zednicek, is the complete representation of the bureaucratic Nazi culture. Plus the infamous “stamping” scene is highly sensual, but it’s still kind of sweet in a romantic sort of way. Nowadays it would probably be rated PG-13.

Overall, most people will think they’ve seen this kind of film before, but just not as old as 1966. Steven Speilberg was definitely influenced by this from practically all his comedies, but remember this is one of those “at the time” films when this kind of story telling in films was revolutionary. Anyway, I’d highly recommend this. It seems pretty obscure to most people, but try to find it if you can.

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If a branch library in Indianapolis has a copy then hopefully Ostre sledované vlaky is on it's way to achieving the audience it deserves. The end stunned me, I was thinking, "Is that... did he... Wow!"

This is the real weepy and like tragic part of the story...

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I just watched this too and its beautiful - a very rewarding film. The opening scenes reminded me of a Woody Allen movie :)

"I talk to god but the sky is empty"
SP

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I can't believe that there are only 4 of us on all of IMDB that have commented on this movie. I was lucky to have been shown this film by a thesis mentor while at Stanford, even though none of us were writing on film.

This is one of those jems in my DVD collection that people always stop at and say "what's that?" and it's even more thrilling when I get to show it to them.

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I can't believe that there are only 4 of us on all of IMDB that have commented on this movie.
Guess I am No. 5 then.

I saw this when it first came out, again a couple of times some years later, and then again yesterday because it came as a freebie with a newspaper.

This is a beautiful, poignant, satirical, dry humoured, beautifully shot (evoking the time it is set in), nostalgic and ultimately sad movie.

A must-see-film, especially so if you are a train freak and/or a "stamp" fan

10 out of 10 in my book.

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[deleted]

Wow, not alot of talk about this one is there?

This was a really awesome watch! I'll be recommending this one.

The ending is just...wow.

I don't want to state the obvious and possibly spoil it, but... how redeeming and beautiful even though it's a bit sad.

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Hey lots of good unknown films, see Hangmen also Die by Fritzy boy.
Anyway its a good film, but of the Czech films from that period I prefer The Cremator (Spaolovac mrtvol)...czech it out guys, ahahahahaha

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Brilliant film, just seen for the first time today after having on the shelf for over a year (free with the Independent newspaper), charming, witty, clever. One to be recommended.

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I'll chime in here. Just got done watching this and really liked it. So far I'm 3 for 3 with the Czech new wave. Started with The Firemen's Ball (highly recommended!) and also really liked Loves of a Blonde. Next to watch, The Shop on Main Street.

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If you are a fan of dazzling script; wide vistas; great score ; names ; fast paced plot then you may wish to pass on this film.

For me the ending was not WOW , but fairly anti-climactic.

Don`t get me wrong I adore chiaroscuro however(budget or no budget)the quality of the photography was just , well,poor! Lighting was so dark and impenetrable
it reminded me of David Lynch`s "Eraserhead" (minus the wit although the rubber stamp scene made me grin).

Script , at times left me grasping for clarity but this I acknowledge is the translation not the film itself.

To be fair a second viewing would probably help...

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You have all pretty well summed up this film and there is little to add. However, every time I watch it, I can't help wondering what happened to the two young Czech actresses (both called Jitka). They, and other members of the cast of Vlaky can be seen in other films of the same era, all providing a fascinating insight into the Czech psyche. Searching on this medium has produced nothing. I would also like to know the station location.

At a slight tangent to the main theme; I have visited Czech Republic 20 times since 1990 and made Czech friends over there who provided further insight into conditions suffered under German and Russian occupation.

Having enjoyed Vlaky, try a more recent Czech film - Kolya. You won't be disappointed.

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Can't help sticking my nose in when a film's as great as this, even when there's not so much left to say. Sexy, sexy film, will bring a smile to any face, with the seriousness of an occupied peoples struggle running parallel to the stories of these lovable characters' lives. Warm & Wonderful!

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I agree that it is very sexy. The girlfriend who gets her "bottom" stamped has just the right amount of sensuality as she smiles sweetly when told to show about half the population of the town (it seems) just exactly where on her body this "outrage" took place.
But, there is much sadness mixed in too.I won't spoil it. I've watched this movie twice on TCM and will watch it again if ever shown.

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i've got the movie, will watch it and see whats it about!

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I got this free with The Independent news paper and left it in a cupboard until yesterday when all TV was utter dross as usual, and thought I would check it out, and I have to agree with all comments it a fantastic film. Far ahead of its time, just incredible, I will watch it again now. This has gione straight into my movie top ten, and high up in the top ten!

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The station used in the film is at Lodenice, which I think is not too far from Prague.

I too adored this film incidentally !

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Part of this really is hilarious, even with translation. Milos is depicted in such a sympathetic and charming way, his awkward and sad character is a precursor to the kind of hopeless geek you see in Judd Apatow films.

Similar to Louis Malle's Le Souffle Au Coeur. Actually I decided to watch this movie because it was recommended in David Stratton's autobiography. (British/Australian critic). Good to see so much praise ITT really this movie should get more mentions.

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I agree





I Worship The Goddess Amber Tamblyn


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I watched this one last week and I'm actually about to start writing a paper on the film. I'm going to visit the Czech Republic for the first time in two weeks. This film was part of our "Global Film" class. I look forward to the trip because i thoroughly enjoyed the film. We also watched Kolya and Shop on Main Street too.

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Wow, a really sweet and stunning film! Way better than I expected, full of surprises and interesting contrasts. Truly memorable...

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