In this article, we will explore the Czech New Wave Cinema, a distinctive local film movement that made a significant impact on global cinema. Emerging in Czechoslovakia during the mid-1960s, the Czech New Wave was influenced by the French New Wave and introduced a fresh perspective on filmmaking.
This cinema movement is renowned for rejecting traditional cinema rules and norms, bringing forth a unique style characterized by free expression, humor, irony, satire, and political and social criticism. The Czech New Wave is notable for its innovative approach, which challenges conventional narratives and aesthetics.
In this article, we will delve into the leading films, directors, and defining characteristics of this influential movement.
If you are ready, let’s get started…
The emergence of Czech New Wave Cinema
Czech New Wave Cinema emerged in the 1960s, shaped by the political and social changes of the time. Czechoslovakia, under a bureaucratic regime with strong ties to the Soviet Union, witnessed a surge of young filmmakers who began to explore the daily lives of ordinary people. They adopted a critical approach to the existing political and economic system, marking a significant departure from the norm.
The Czech New Wave also brought about a revolution in the Czechoslovak film industry. Young directors embraced a new and independent approach to filmmaking, breaking away from the traditional studio system. They often used amateur actors and shot films on location with natural light, which led to an increase in low-budget and independent productions and signaled a new era for Czechoslovak cinema.
However, the movement faced significant restrictions due to political reasons. In 1968, during the period known as the Prague Spring, Czechoslovakia experienced a brief period of political transformation. This was abruptly halted by a military intervention by the Soviet Union and its allies, which led to the re-establishment of the old regime. The Czech New Wave was heavily impacted, with many directors either forced to leave the country or subjected to censorship. Despite this, the movement’s influence persisted.
The Czech New Wave is regarded as a pivotal moment in the history of cinema. By rejecting traditional cinematic norms and focusing on political and social criticism, the movement introduced a creative and experimental approach to filmmaking. Its impact extended beyond Czechoslovakia, significantly influencing world cinema.
The movement also inspired and influenced other cinematic movements, such as the French New Wave. Today, the legacy of the Czech New Wave is still evident, as its experimental and original approaches continue to inspire contemporary directors. Additionally, its political and social criticism addresses issues that remain relevant in the modern world.
Leading directors of the Czech New Wave Cinema
One of the most important representatives of the Czech New Wave was director Milos Forman. Forman was a pioneering figure in the movement with notable films such as “Ace of Spades” (1964) and “Loves of a Blonde” (1965). Another key director was Jiri Menzel, whose film “Closely Watched Trains” (1966) depicted the daily lives of ordinary people using irony and humor to make social criticisms. Menzel gained international recognition when he won the Best Foreign Language Film Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1968 for “Love’s Red Mantle”, cementing the Czech New Wave’s global success.
Other prominent directors of the movement included Vera Chytilova, Jaromil Jires, Jan Nemec, and Ivan Passer. Chytilova’s “The Apple Basket” (1966) challenged traditional female roles and social expectations, taking a feminist approach and emphasizing the social critique aspect of the movement. Jires’s “Valerie’s Wonderful Weekend” (1970) stood out as a drama that explored how social norms affected women’s lives. Nemec’s “Diamonds of the Night” (1964) critically addressed themes of existential meaninglessness and alienation in the post-war period.
The influence of the Czech New Wave extended beyond its borders, impacting French directors such as François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, and Claude Chabrol, who incorporated elements of the movement into their own films. Additionally, the Czech New Wave’s creative and original approach inspired experimental and alternative cinema movements worldwide. Milos Forman, one of the movement’s pioneers, later achieved significant success in Hollywood, directing acclaimed films such as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Amadeus”.
Highlights of Czech New Wave Cinema works
In addition to its focus on political and social criticism, the Czech New Wave also introduced a revolutionary approach to the language of cinema. The movement reshaped cinematic language by challenging traditional narrative structures and employing cinematographic innovations such as time-lapse, montage techniques, and experimental visual compositions. These elements contributed to a unique aesthetic and creative freedom in the films of the Czech New Wave.
The Czech New Wave cinema gained recognition for its political criticism and ironic humor. The movement often tackled issues such as bureaucracy, censorship, and the restriction of individual freedoms. By portraying the extraordinary aspects of ordinary people’s daily lives with irony and humor, the films offered a nuanced form of social criticism. Additionally, the Czech New Wave highlighted social issues including gender roles, class distinctions, and the questioning of social norms. Let’s explore some of the best examples of this influential film movement.
Cerný Petr / Black Peter – Ace of Spades (1964) – IMDB: 7.0
“Černý Petr” is a 1964 film directed by Miloš Forman. Shot in black and white, the film addresses social issues with a realistic approach. As an exemplar of the Czech New Wave Cinema movement, “Černý Petr” played a key role in establishing Forman’s international fame. The film is notable for its realistic and sincere portrayal of social issues and its compelling storytelling, reflecting the political and social atmosphere of its time.
The film centers on a young man named Petr, who works in a youth hostel and forms close relationships with the children living there. Petr’s life unfolds within a complex world filled with the challenges of youth, institutional limitations, and societal expectations. His interactions with those around him complicate his understanding of himself and his place in the world. The film explores Petr’s internal conflicts, social difficulties, and the uncertainties of his youth, while also addressing fundamental issues such as social injustice, class differences, and bureaucratic obstacles.
Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (1970) – IMDB: 7.1
“Valerie a Týden Divu” is a 1970 psychedelic fantasy film directed by Jaromil Jireš. The film tells the story of the fantastic adventures of 13-year-old Valerie. Tyranny-ridden by her stepmother and step-cousin, Valerie spends a week in a mysterious world full of vampires, witches and wizards. The film deals with themes such as sexuality, religion and rebellion against social norms, and is notable for its unusual visual symbolism and creative narrative. “Valerie a Týden Divu” emerged with creative freedom despite the censorship of the time and is considered an important example of contemporary Czechoslovak cinema.
A Report on the Party and the Guests (1966) – IMDB: 7.1
“O Slavnosti a Hostech” is a political drama film directed by Jan Němec and released in 1966. The film depicts events at a village celebration and provides a sharp political critique of authoritarianism. It is notable for its unusual plot, symbolism, and political commentary. “O Slavnosti a Hostech” is considered a significant example of contemporary Czechoslovak cinema due to its impactful and innovative approach.
Daisies (1966) – IMDB: 7.3
“Daisies” is an experimental comedy-drama film directed by Vera Chytilová and shot in Czechoslovakia in 1966. The film is notable for its provocative and pioneering nature, showcasing two young women who challenge social norms with their rebellious and nihilistic attitudes.
Diamonds of the Night (1964) – IMDB: 7.4
“Diamonds of the Night” is a 1964 surrealist war drama film directed by Jan Němec. The film depicts the harrowing and psychological journey of two young Jewish prisoners attempting to escape from the Nazis. By exploring themes of time and memory, it deeply examines the effects of war on human psychology and a reality steeped in hopelessness. Combining a silent film style with a modern approach, Diamonds of the Night is distinguished by its striking visual narrative and literary storytelling, making it a significant example of the Czechoslovak New Wave movement.
Loves of a Blonde (1965) – IMDB: 7.5
“Loves of a Blonde” is a 1965 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Milos Forman. The film follows the romantic and daily life of a young woman named Andula as she navigates various adventures in a small town, discovering love and relationships along the way. It provides a humorous perspective on gender roles, love, loneliness, and human relationships.
“Loves of a Blonde” is notable for its realistic narrative, strong character development, and natural acting performances. As an important example of the Czechoslovak New Wave movement, the film critiques social and cultural norms while presenting a warm and moving story.
Closely Watched Trains (1966) – IMDB: 7.6
“Closely Watched Trains” is a 1966 post-war comedy-drama film directed by Jiri Menzel. The film tells the story of a young man working at a train station in occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II. Initially appearing to be insulated from the impacts of the war, this seemingly peaceful setting gradually evolves into an adventure filled with complex and comical events.
“Closely Watched Trains” is a satirical film that explores themes such as the state of society and sexuality in the post-war era. It delves deeply into the inner worlds of its characters while delivering political and social criticism with a humorous touch. Notable for its original plot, impressive acting performances, and Menzel’s unique directorial style, the film received significant international acclaim and won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1967.
The Shop on Main Street – IMDB: 8.2
“The Shop on Main Street” is a 1965 post-war drama film directed by Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos. Shot in Czechoslovakia, the film explores the relationship between a Jewish woman who manages a tailor shop in occupied Slovakia during World War II and a Slovakian man who “takes over” the shop for free.
The film delves into themes of racism, intolerance, and the contradictions of human nature exacerbated by war, while also reflecting on the horrors of the Nazi regime. The directors’ powerful narrative, impressive acting performances, and deep character development make “The Shop on Main Street” a significant work of contemporary drama from the post-war era. The film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1966 and made a significant impact internationally.
