Pupendo

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.