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The Cremator

Original title: Spalovac mrtvol
  • 19691969
  • Not RatedNot Rated
  • 1h 35m
IMDb RATING
8.0/10
9.5K
YOUR RATING
The Cremator (1969)
ComedyCrimeDrama
Set in Central Europe during World War II, a demented cremator believes cremation relieves earthly suffering and sets out to save the world.Set in Central Europe during World War II, a demented cremator believes cremation relieves earthly suffering and sets out to save the world.Set in Central Europe during World War II, a demented cremator believes cremation relieves earthly suffering and sets out to save the world.
IMDb RATING
8.0/10
9.5K
YOUR RATING
    • Juraj Herz
    • Ladislav Fuks(novel "Spalovac mrtvol")
    • Juraj Herz(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Rudolf Hrusínský
    • Vlasta Chramostová
    • Jana Stehnová
    • Juraj Herz
    • Ladislav Fuks(novel "Spalovac mrtvol")
    • Juraj Herz(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Rudolf Hrusínský
    • Vlasta Chramostová
    • Jana Stehnová
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 33User reviews
    • 82Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards

    Photos84

    The Cremator (1969)
    The Cremator (1969)
    The Cremator (1969)
    The Cremator (1969)
    Rudolf Hrusínský in The Cremator (1969)
    The Cremator (1969)
    The Cremator (1969)
    The Cremator (1969)
    The Cremator (1969)
    The Cremator (1969)
    The Cremator (1969)
    Rudolf Hrusínský in The Cremator (1969)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Rudolf Hrusínský
    Rudolf Hrusínský
    • Kopfrkingl
    Vlasta Chramostová
    Vlasta Chramostová
    • Lakmé…
    Jana Stehnová
    • Zina
    Milos Vognic
    Milos Vognic
    • Mili
    Zora Bozinová
    Zora Bozinová
    • Reinkeová
    Ilja Prachar
    Ilja Prachar
    • Walter Reinke
    Eduard Kohout
    Eduard Kohout
    • Bettleheim
    Jirí Menzel
    Jirí Menzel
    • Dvorák
    Míla Myslíková
    Míla Myslíková
    • Hloupá zena
    Vladimír Mensík
    Vladimír Mensík
    • Manzel hloupé zeny
    Jirí Lír
    Jirí Lír
    • Strauss
    Václav Stekl
    Václav Stekl
    • Hudebník…
    Helena Anýzová
    Helena Anýzová
    • Bledá dívka
    Jindrich Narenta
    Jindrich Narenta
    • Nacista ve smokingu
    Marie Rosulková
    Marie Rosulková
    • Zena dozadující se rakvicky
    Natasa Gollová
    Natasa Gollová
    • Madam v masérském salonu
    Jirí Hálek
    Jirí Hálek
    • Rámar Holý
    Jana Sulcová
    Jana Sulcová
    • Ruzolící dívka
      • Juraj Herz
      • Ladislav Fuks(novel "Spalovac mrtvol") (screenplay)
      • Juraj Herz(screenplay)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      With a 90.2% score on the Czech and Slovak Movie Database as well as praise from movie critics, The Cremator is often considered to be one of the best movies ever made in Czechoslovakia. It has also gathered a prominent cult following.
    • Goofs
      Interiors, fashion and hairstyle are in some cases obviously from the sixties...
    • Quotes

      Kopfrkingl: My dear children... do not fear cremation.

    • Connections
      Edited into CzechMate: In Search of Jirí Menzel (2018)
    • Soundtracks
      New World Symphony Op. 95 - Largo
      Composed by Antonín Dvorák

    User reviews33

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    9/10
    Who Knew Czech Cinema Had Such Offerings? A Pure Win!
    "The Cremator" is Karel Kopfrkingl, played beautifully by Rudolf Hrusinsky, a man who fought for Germany in the Great War (World War I) and is now a crematorium operator in Czechoslovakia in the 1930s. His friend, a member of the Nazi party, tries to steer him towards fighting for Germany again, but will Karel give up his comfortable life and semi-Jewish family?

    I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this one. When I found out that Dark Sky was releasing it, I instantly found myself interested. And despite having no knowledge of Czech horror or Czech cinema in general, Dark Sky did not disappoint. "The Cremator" truly is a forgotten classic. Who knew that as early as 1968 that Czechoslovakia was releasing films that were well-scripted, well-acted and most interestingly... extremely well-shot with quality footage (decades ahead of Italian cinema).

    Actor Rudolf Hrusinsky and director Juraj Herz are a perfect combination when combining black comedy, morbidity, and what the box describes as "surrealism" and "expressionism". The surrealism is evident: the first ten minutes contain many camera shots that warp our sense of safety and familiarity, calling to mind for me "The Holy Mountain". I can't think of another film that is even close to these two in this regard.

    The pace is steady, with Karel's descent a gradual, but well-paced journey for the viewer. Can a "sensitive" man be transformed into a Jew-hating, violence-loving monster who can turn away from his family? I won't say how far he goes, but some key scenes involve a carnival's haunted wax museum and the unusual execution of some cats. And that's just the beginning.

    Of course, those who don't like black and white films or subtitles are going to be scared away. You are missing out, my friends. "The Cremator" is visually stunning and grips you with a dead, icy hand that cannot be denied. 2009 has had a handful of good films released, but most are stinkers. "Cremator" is no stinker... this film has been embalmed perfectly and is as fresh today -- if not more fresh -- than it was on the day it was filmed. Do not rent a copy -- buy one!
    helpful•34
    6
    • gavin6942
    • Mar 12, 2009

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 14, 1969 (Czechoslovakia)
      • Czechoslovakia
      • Czech
      • Hebrew
    • Also known as
    • Filming locations
      • Pardubice, Czech Republic
    • Production companies
      • Filmové studio Barrandov
      • Sebor
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • 1 hour 35 minutes
      • Black and White
      • Mono

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