Film Tips from Karel Martinec

Karel Martinec, regional director in financial consulting and occasional actor nominated for the Czech Lion and the Czech Film Critics' Award for Our lovely pig slaughter, recommends five films that our viewers should not miss.

Loveable – An authentic look at the cohabitation of a married couple after falling out of love. It reminded me a lot of my situation after twenty years of marriage to my first wife. You look for a way to fix everything, and when you do, it's mostly a win-win for the kids. There were moments when I was angry with the protagonist, but gradually I also began to understand her condition. It did a great job and I put the film in the category of „Worth watching again.

A Whole Life – The incredible story of a man who battled adversity from his early childhood, yet never gave up. Moreover, the story takes place in the beautiful landscape of the merciless alpine mountains, which can give joy, but also take it away. A historical passage through time and twists and turns that also brought me closer to the individuals' attitudes to events and their strength of character.

Perfect Days – We were brought to see this film by friends and after reading the synopsis I thought "so I'm going to go for Japanese toilet cleaner, oh great, I can stand that“. However, what happened in the film completely sucked me in, it was like I was there experiencing it with him. The story of a simple man with a huge soul and incredible empathy and poise. Thinking about the film afterwards, I had to conclude that we are lucky to live in a country where the casteism of society does not exist. I recommend watching this film several times, each time you will find new details of relationship peripeties.

Dry Season – For me, Bohdan Sláma's best film. A brilliantly told story of people living in a village who know each other, some well, some better. Modesty and greed clash with each other. What struck me most was the incredibly brave choice of a mother in the most complicated life situation possible. Very well made and highly recommended.

The Taste of Things – A fascinating concert of culinary artistry full of passion not only for cooking, but also between middle-aged partners on an evening in the bedroom. It's a warm caress about the harmony of souls and bodies. The departure of the person closest to you is then a sobering moment of well-being. A confirmation of the rule: when things are going too well, something is bound to come up. Be ready and strong.

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