The story is told using a gentle, almost subtle, form of storytelling, which works amazingly well because, even though the story takes place during the Soviet occupation of Checkoslovakia, not a particularly funny time, it's also warm, humorous, and down right good natured with more than a few laugh out loud moments.
I'd like to say there's a strong political message here, but I can't. What I did come away with is that life goes on, no matter what's going on around you. There's no grand historical perspective here. Just the history of this one odd little family told in an almost lyrical way.
Each character is a well painted portrait but not necessarily an expected one. Yet I warmed to each character quickly.
The storytelling is top notch, the acting mostly so, and the overall effect is both charming and entertaining.
I was pleasantly surprised by this fine little movie and I recommend it without reservation.
I'd like to say there's a strong political message here, but I can't. What I did come away with is that life goes on, no matter what's going on around you. There's no grand historical perspective here. Just the history of this one odd little family told in an almost lyrical way.
Each character is a well painted portrait but not necessarily an expected one. Yet I warmed to each character quickly.
The storytelling is top notch, the acting mostly so, and the overall effect is both charming and entertaining.
I was pleasantly surprised by this fine little movie and I recommend it without reservation.