Prague Duet

I've been to Prague and loved it (the most beautiful city in Europe). I also thrive on seeing a good romance movie. And the two main actors at least looked great.

But my wife fell asleep and I stopped the movie after 20 minutes or so.

Disappointing, but since there are some positive comments on this page, you might want to try it yourself - then come back here and tell us what you think, OK?

If you have ever been, or want to go to Prague, this film has to be rented. The film was better than I expected - the love story is a little contrived at times, and unbelievable, but overall, the film works well and both lead actors put in good performances... The story brings together several themes that run very deep in the blood of the Czech people...

I had never heard of this movie, but since I am going to Prague this summer, I wanted to check it out. I was very surprised. This is a deep romantic movie of a woman who falls in love with a former Czech dissident writer, only to have their love tested by a family secret from the woman's past. This is an outstanding movie. Gina Gershon looks good and acts great. I highly recommend it!

The American child psychologist Dr. Lauren Graham (Gina Gershon) from the Michigan University travels to Prague to participate in a seminar with her friend Olivia Walton (Patricia Hodge). Lauren is a widow that lost her four-year old daughter for leukemia and her beloved grandfather helped Lauren and her daughter in the worst moments of her life. When she meets the famous dissident writer Jiri Kolmar (Rade Serbedzija), who will be the next Ministry of Culture of Czechoslovakia, they immediately fall in love with each other. Lauren wants to research the past of her grandfather and Jiri helps her, but they are unsuccessful in their search. Jiri proposes to marry Lauren and brings her to the birthday party of his father. When the old man sees the photo of Lauren's grandfather, he discloses dark secrets from the past to Jiri and Laure, affecting their lives.

"Prague Duet" is a feature film with a great love story but a cold direction. The great actor Rade Serbedzija should have never been cast as the romantic pair of the younger and younger Gina Gershon. The soundtrack is another plus in this good movie that could be better and better. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Muito Além da Paixão" ("Far Beyond the Passion")

Two thumbs up in our household: we enjoyed the story a lot, probably in part because we both know Prague and are familiar with Eastern Europe. This film raises excellent questions and haunts you in a way. I discovered Gina Gershon and was impressed by her charisma. Just wish she could close her mouth sometimes (it remains open in 98% of the film in a distracting manner, as if she was constantly pouting!) but I definitely want to check out her other films.