Pupendo

A wonderful film. Of course, it's more enjoyable for those who lived in Czechoslovakia in the 80s, but the movies does have a universal appeal, as well. It deals with a difficult and complex time with humor, yet retains a realistic feel. I highly recommend this movie.

Plot: The film follows two families living in Prague during the 1980s. Each family deals with living in the Communist system in different ways, trying to survive as best they can while still remaining true to themselves.

This is a good flick from the Czech Republic. Without going into too much detail, the film focuses on the country's pre-Velvet Revolution Communist regime and one artists's fight to retain his integrity. I truly enjoyed the movie (screened at Vancouver's annual film fest); I thought the lead male actor (sculptor Mara) did an excellent job.

I bought this on DVD on my last visit to Prague, but didn't look at it until a couple of months later. I picked it up only because I remembered hearing the title, and a Czech friend recommended it. When I finally looked at the film, I realized vaguely that I had seen it before, probably while on an airline flight returning to the US from the Czech Republic some years ago. I remember thinking that I only mildly liked it the first time, so I almost turned it off without watching again. I'm so glad I didn't do that! After a slow start, the humor and the irony started to sink in. By the time the film was halfway through, I was laughing and (almost) crying my head off. This film is SO CZECH, and SO RICH, and it definitely gets better on the second viewing. (I say that even though my first viewing was in less than ideal circumstances, on a small airline screen.) I loved it. Other reviewers may have a point in saying it will play better to people or already understand Czechoslovakia in the 80s. I've talked to some American friends who can't seem to get past their own preconceptions about what eastern block communism must have been like. Still, I would recommend that anyone who enjoys stories with ironic humor and deeply layered ambiguity give this film a try.

I realize, now that I've looked it up on IMDb, that I had almost exactly the same reaction to director Jan Hrebejk's following film "Up and Down." Except that one I liked well enough the first time through... and loved the second time.

I would also recommend his "Divided We Fall" and "Beauty in Trouble." But "Pupendo" was a real surprise. Damn!! Now I'm going to have to find all his work!!

Great movie! Thoughtful, subtle, ironic, rich. Get it!

I guess crocuta is somehow right in the case it's just another socialism-era film, I must admit I'm sick and tired of the fact Czech production since '89 is all the Iron Curtain and WW2, exceptions are rather rare. But the guy (or girl) is wrong with his (her) measure the film is boring. I understand you were bored if you're not former-east-blocker, you can't even recognize not to say feature all the jokes since you don't know the real-socialism reality. Couple of scenes are artificial and some clumsy even awkward, but scenes like the one, where the two couples discuss their situation after one certain Voice of America broadcast, made me almost die of laughter. I wouldn't recommend this film to those from west, this film is about (a) communism in Czech conditions, (b)featuring Czech humor and point of view (both is rather specific). People outside this area may reach some degree of understanding, depending on their wit and emphasis(and history-knowledge niveau), but they'll never have the complete frame of it.

It's nonsense to mark this film either good or bad. This one was made to succeed at home and to pick a pack of prizes over the old continent(I can't instantly recall if it did or not, does it matter?), America's tour is academic, this one's a local business.

Jan Hrebejk (Director) once again looks at an aspect of Czech history through the day to day lives of families. While Pupendo is not as good as his brilliant earlier film Pelisky it is still a very funny and interesting time capsule.

Through the two families we see two different methods of coping with life under Russian imposed communism. One family, Mara, the father a sculptor, an ever suffering wife, a deaf eldest son and a younger son who serves as the innocent inquirer into the unknown, avoid at all costs and to their detriment participating in the system. The other, Brecka, father a principal, mother a director of the Artist Union, daughter learning to be a sculptor and the son at High school, participates despite disagreeing with it.

I thoroughly disagree with the other reviewers who say that you had to have lived under communism to understand or enjoy this movie. All you need is an open mind, empathy and a sense of humour. I'm from Australia and I could not only relate to the story and characters but I laughed out loud all the way through it.

The humour comes from the relationships within the families, and between them the fears and dreams of the characters and their dealings with bureaucracy. Things that are universal. Sure the costumes and buildings are far drabber than any English speaking film set in the 80's, but lets be honest we didn't all dress like we were in a John Hughes film either.

Like most Czech films i have seen if you need fast paced action, special effects and a plot that is spelt out for you, then this movie is not for you. But if you appreciate the drama of living then it is an enjoyable slice of life to spend 2 hours watching.