Vratné lahve (2007)

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.

---

Plot Keywords:

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

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [cz]

Country:

Czech Republic UK Denmark

Language:

Czech German

Release Date:

8 March 2007 (Czech Republic)

Also Known As:

Povratne boce

Filming Locations:

Czech Republic

Company Credits

Production Co:

Biograf Jan Sverak, Portobello Pictures, Phoenix Film Investments

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

DTS SDDS Dolby Digital

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.

---

Connections

References Kolya (1996)

User Reviews

It's never too late for a career change

Vratné lahve (2007), directed by Jan Sverák, written by Zdenek Sverák, was shown in the U.S. with the title "Empties." The title derives from a second "career," undertaken late in life, by the protagonist Josef (Zdenek Sverák). Josef resigns from his position as a teacher and takes a job accepting returned glass bottles at a supermarket. Complications ensue. Josef isn't exactly an ideal worker, but he does establish a rapport with his fellow employees and with some of the customers.

Josef is married, but he and his wife are tired of each other. (Incidentally, his wife is played by Daniela Kolárová, who looks like the Czech Hellen Mirren.) Josef and his wife are both contemplating adultery, although that's not as easy for them as it might sound.

"Empties" is a comedy, but a comedy with a sad and bitter undertone. Everyone is looking for love, romance, and understanding, but mostly they're looking in the wrong places. Still, the film is worth seeing, especially because of the wonderful acting by Zdenek Sverák, who was outstanding in the film "Kolya" ten years ago, and is equally outstanding in "Empties."

Incidentally, the identical names of the actor/writer and director are not coincidental--they are father and son. That must lead to some interesting moments on the set.

We saw this film at the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival. It will work pretty well on a small screen. It's definitely worth seeking out and seeing.