crocuta

While very interesting and informative, the series suffers from not enough footage. The same scenes - even dramatic reconstructions - are being repeated five and more times throughout the episode, with some scenes taken from previous episodes. As a result - each episode feels like dragging on and if we cut out all repetitions, it would shrink to 15 minutes.

While mildly entertaining (if you close your eyes and cover your ears before the terrible pun at the end of every segment), it started to feel like very simplistic Bible teaching against any form of "sin". Let's take a look at victims of bizarre deaths: killers, murderers, drug dealers, drug lords... so far, so good. But the list goes on: bullies, drug users, fake priests, peeping toms, cheerleaders, feminists, fetishists, horny housewives, people watching porn, people that have piercings, eco-friendly people... And the commentary mocks them mercilessly. It looks like some religious nut-job was running this show, hell-bent on killing off everyone who is not another religious nut-job.

Although this title may seem as another piece of "musical fever" in Czech republic started at 90's, but actually it is much better. Small company, small stage, but great work done.

First, touching libretto by Jiri Hubac. Then original music by Ondrej Soukup and lyrics by Gabriela Osvaldová, one of the best nowadays lyricist in Czech rep. Also director Jozef Bednárik was at his best.

But what makes this musical unforgettable are actors/singers. Especially Lucie Bílá in title role is fascinating, proving not only she is great singer but good actress as well. Also Vladimír Marek (Narrator), Martin Posta (multiple characters) and Jan Apolenár (King) did good acting and singing job. Petr Muk (Raimond) and Petr Kolár (La Hire) are a bit wooden actors, but their singing skills are really great.

What takes my breath away is supporting cast. They all could be stars! Marcel Jakubovie (a bit too sexy for an angel, but with really angelic voice!), Karina Tomsová, Jan Gajdos, Petr Opava and Lukas Kumpricht are all excellent. But my real heroine is Renáta Podlipská - strong voice and with only one expression she can tell whole story about her multiple characters. You go, girl!

If you want to hear some good music and see moving story about Joan of Arc, see this.