Úsmevy smutných muzu

Writer Josef has a problem with alcohol. After several drinking episodes that end up with him lying unconscious, he checks into a rehab facility/hospital. There he meets several other men that share his predicament; Honza, a former participant of sports events that dreams of running a marathon, Milan, who dabbles in Kabbalah, maths and science fiction, Jarmil, an extra in porn movies, and the unsavory Tomás. As in real life there is no obvious cut and dried reason for each man's predicament. They sometimes support one another, sometimes they cut the ground from under each other's feet. Occasionally they gang up against doctors and nurses or try to escape

I have not seen a more realistic movie about addiction. Some inmates dream of a cure, but they are aware that very rarely there is one; the best they can expect is a lifelong daily fight not to relapse in spite of the surrounding temptations, since alcohol is readily available and a part of social life. The ruinous effect of addiction on their families is clearly in view. Josef stands for writer Josef Formánek, and the script (that he cowrote with director Dan Svátek) is based in one of his novels, partly autobiographic. Some of the other characters also stand for real people.

Acting is first rate (not unusual in Czech movies). Script is tight, without distractions and direction incorporates some touches of the fantastic that enhance the viewer's interest. Special mention for the excellent cinematography of Jakub Simunek (the rehab center scenes were filmed in a real psychiatric hospital in the town of Petrohrad, 70 km west of Prague). Highly recommended.