Empties (2007)
"Vratné lahve" (original title)

A comic love story about a man who refuses to accept that old age is empty of love, meaning and value to society.

Director:

Jan Sverák

Writers:

Zdenek Sverák (story), Zdenek Sverák (screenplay)

Stars:

Zdenek Sverák, Daniela Kolárová, Pavel Landovský

8 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Zdenek Sverák	...	Josef Tkaloun
Daniela Kolárová	...	Tkalounová
Pavel Landovský	...	Rezác
Tatiana Vilhelmová	...	Daughter
Jirí Machácek	...	Deputy headmaster Landa
Jan Budar	...	Úlisný
Nella Boudová	...	Teacher Ptácková
Miroslav Táborský	...	Subrt
Vera Tichánková	...	Lamková
Jana Plodková	...	Cárkovaná
Robin Soudek	...	Tomík
Martin Pechlát	...	Karel
Bozidara Turzonovová	...	Kvardová
Jan Vlasák	...	Wasserbauer
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jitka Asterová

Storyline

A comic love story about a man who refuses to accept that old age is empty of love, meaning and value to society.

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Plot Keywords:

old age | panties | boy | hot air balloon | grocery store | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site [cz]

Country:

Czech Republic UK Denmark

Language:

Czech German

Release Date:

8 March 2007 (Czech Republic)

Also Known As:

Empties

Filming Locations:

Czech Republic

Company Credits

Production Co:

Biograf Jan Sverak, Portobello Pictures, Phoenix Film Investments

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Zdenek Sverák and Daniela Kolárová also played husband and wife in Na samote u lesa.

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Connections

References Kolya (1996)

User Reviews

The Return Of The Kings

Vratné Lahve (written by Zdenek Sverák, directed by Jan Sverák) Father and son. Ten years ago they made film together, it became tremendously successful and won an Oscar. That was Kolya. After that they tried to tell the story of Czech RAF fighters during WW2, which was not so successful, mainly because of the historical, somewhat pathetic theme. Now they are back. After years and years of rewriting the script, son finally accepted his father's work and made it into film, which may be very well theirs best.

Main character Tkaloun (played by Zdenek Sverák) is an nervous, over-aged basic school teacher living with his slowly resigning wife and struggling to find a new way of life for himself after he leaves his teaching job. When he accepts new work in a supermarket as clerk responsible for storing empty glass bottles, he finds (and shows us) that it is never too late for being kind to other people and for life itself.

This film is very funny and moving - in a best way possible. It is also almost ultimately believable, as every scene and every bit of the dialog is taken from life. Audience in the theater started laughing shortly after the beginning and continued throughout the film till the final credits. Everyone was leaving the screening with a great smile on the face, filled with pleasant thoughts.

I don't know when it will hit the theaters abroad or in rest of Europe. But when it does, be sure not to miss it.

9/10