A Czech film from director Vladimir Michalek, AUTUMN SPRING tackles the theme of aging and death with subtle humor in this film, which tips its hat to the free-spirited New Wave cinema. Irrepressible reprobate Fanda (Vlastimil Brodsky) is determined not to go gently into that good night as he enters his eighties. He and partner-in-crime Eda (Stanislav Zindulka) love to pull stunts and gags, such as impersonating wealthy land-buyers, subway officials, and long-lost friends. Unfortunately their abilities are starting to slip due to their advanced age. Hána's long-suffering wife (Stella Zázvorková) meanwhile, is outraged that he is still up to his old tricks when its time to "take life seriously," prepare for their funerals, give up their apartment, and move into a retirement home. This is a warmhearted but unsentimental look into how different people face inevitable demise, and the cast of seasoned seniors pulls it off with great style and humanity. The film is a career capstone for Brodsky. A renowned Czech actor (CLOSELY WATCHED TRAINS, JAKOB THE LIAR), Brodsky committed suicide not long after this life-affirming film was completed. Still, no actor could ask for a more eloquent curtain call; it's a fine, crowd-pleasing little classic, one for which he will surely be long remembered.
(10 votes)
2.
A Comedy For the Aged
A wry, bittersweet comedy in the great Czech tradition, Vladimir Michalek's Autumn Spring stars the great Vlastimil Brodsky (Closely Watched Trains, Jacob the Liar) as Fanda, an old man who refuses to grow up. Despite pleas from his exasperated wife Ermilie and son who want him to make some serious decisions about the future, he ignores their nagging and spends his days seeking amusement and adventure. Aided by his pal and former theatre colleague, Fanda keeps his acting skills sharpened by pretending to be a host of fascinating characters. One day he is a retired opera star in the market for an opulent country estate, next a ticket inspector on the subway. Although he bickers constantly with his wife, their bond is palpable - deep down, Emilie knows that at least it's never boring. But when Fanda fakes his own death, Emilie decides she's had enough and files for divorce. The couple soon realizes however, that instead of old age being a time to take on worries, perhaps it is time to shed them and live each day to the fullest.
(10 votes)
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