User reviews

The Film is based on the true story and personal life experience of czech poet and catholic priest Jakub Deml, who wrote the book with the same name. The Story takes place in mid 1980s in Czechoslovakia. The main character is charismatic priest Holy played by wonderful Bolek Polivka. Holy is a melancholy rebel, who is escaping from a communism into a small village which is full of people who are thinking like him. Dissalowed sculptor or the real count Kinsky, who is an Ambulance driver. The priest Holy tries to save his last church, other has been already closed or remade into fabrics or stores. He must fight against bureaucracy and communism, which brings also some funny even absurd situations. The story is also about unfulfilled love to the dying woman, who he can't help but stays with her till the last moments.

It's a great movie, with a great and memorable quotes when the priest tells his dreams, and the last dream at the end where he meets the God who was praying to Human. Just pity that is has only limited DVD distribution.

Even here in the Czech Republic - movie´s country of origin - this is almost forgotten piece. The story (inspired by the true story) about catholic priest who must find his way through life in uneasy time of communist regime hostile to Catholic church and deal with the reality of his helplessness when a woman he platonicly loves is fighting her already lost battle with deadly disease is really touching and sad atmosphere of a small Czech city in the 80´s is nicely depicted. Main character is superbly played by Bolek Polivka who is known mainly for his comedy roles but who is able to handle dramatic roles as well. For me, this is true hidden gem of the Czech cinematography!