Princezna se zlatou hvezdou

Princess Lada flees her country occupied by villainous King Kazisvet (The "Wrecker") who threatens to destroy her father's kingdom if she does not marry him. Princess hides herself (in her ugly mice fur coat) as a dishwasher in the court of Prince Radovan, who falls in love with her. King Kazisvet floods Radovan's country, but is beaten and runs away.

To the Czechs this fairy tale is especially exceptional and dear as one of few movies created under communist supervision (1948-1989), which were not conforming to communist ideology and were only celebrating love and showed that evil is defeated by good in the end.

If you live anywhere else but in Czech republic, you probably don't know much about this movie. But if you do, this is something like Wizard of Oz for Americans. Great acting, nostalgia, classic fairytale - each year's Xmas favorite. Loved by generations.

Princess Lada, with her golden star on the forehead, should become married. However, she doesn't like her wannabe-husband. And neither does anyone else - because it is evil king Kazisvět (Destroyer). He has fulfilled all the seemingly impossible tasks to deserve her, now he threatens her country with the war, if she does not marry him. The wise nanny cannot bear watching her suffer, and helps her to escape. Princess Lada travels around, dressed in the mice fur coat with big cape - just to avoid to be recognized for her golden hair and golden star. She comes to sunny kingdom of prince Radovan, and becomes cookie in the castle kitchen. She wears his mice fur all the time, so no one could recognize her. Once she secretly goes to the ball, where prince is supposed to choose her future wife. He turns down several offers, but falls in love with the mysterious lady that no one knows - its her, of course. They exchange rings, but Lada escapes him and hides again in the kitchen. Once the breakfast is prepared and she accidentally drops the ring to the soup. King calls whole kitchen staff to his mansions and recognizes Lada almost immediately. He proposes her, but she refuses sadly, saying she is supposed to marry king Destroyer. As it happens, King Destroyer is being announced entering. He threatens Radovan with war, if he does not surrender Lada. She comes to him, dressed in her mice furs, and he refuses to admit that he knows her. Then Radovan takes off her coat and everyone recognizes her immediately. Radovan then forces Destroyer out of the country, old cook is excused for treating her like cookie, and gets his medal for being great servant. Of course, happy end follows... Lada and Radovan got married and probably still live happy.

Had not heard of 'The Princess with the Golden Star' until fairly recently. It was when it appeared in my recommended for you section when it immediately picqued my interest. The recomendation couldn't have come at a perfect time, have been watching a fair share of films based on fairy/folk tales recently, East German ones in particular, and was running out of things to watch. Needing something to distract me from illness, a so far difficult year, concert preparation and the further anxiety of a repeat serial review down-voter causing upset.

Finally seeing it, from me 'The Princess with the Golden Star' couldn't be recommended highly enough. Anybody who loves another Czech fairy tale film 'Three Wishes for Cinderella', though this film was made and released much earlier, are very likely to love this every bit as much, even though the story is not near as well known which actually will be an interest point rather than a detriment. Am somebody who loves that film and to me 'The Princess with the Golden Star' is very nearly on par with it in its own way.

'The Princess with the Golden Star' is a visually beautiful film, the vibrant colours literally popping out and the production design is not elaborate but still imaginative. Beautifully photographed as well, the mouse coat is unattractive sure but it's meant to be. Loved the music here as well, the scoring is a perfect fit in how it's orchestrated and used while the Czech songs are infectious and charming. The ballet choreography was choreographed with care and affection, never looking too busy or sparse and not over-the-top to the extent that it comes over as overblown. The swashbuckling is not clumsy and was pretty thrilling.

It's a more than competently directed film throughout while it's written with charm, taking the material seriously while not being over-serious and providing fun along the way too. The story is charming and does enchant, with a relatable protagonist in Lada, a wholly hateable but never over-achetypal villain, amusing side characters and a romantic chemistry that is not given short shrift or doesn't feel too shallow. The pace is deliberate but never dull.

Marie Kyselkova is a wholly endearing Lada, one roots for Lada without ever feeling forced to, and Josef Zima is a dashing, sympathetic Radovan. Martin Ruzek is suitably formidable as villainous Kazisvet. The ballet master and cook are very nicely played as well.

All in all, recommend it highly and has made me more interested in watching Czech films. 10/10