Closely Observed Trains

I guess I expected something more from this Czech Oscar-winning film, but the book isn’t a masterpiece either. I'd put the rating at about 70%. Václav Neckář is a nice guy, just like Josef Somr is a lecher. Although the plot of the film too convoluted compared to the book, I wouldn't complain, except for the oddly cut ending, where Jiří Menzel went a bit off the rails. In short, a classic of Czech cinema that I probably don’t need to see a second time, but all things considered, it comes out a pretty weak (but still) 4*. (29/01/2011)

A classic of world cinema, perhaps even more appreciated abroad than here. A brilliant portrait of a young man and his sexual frustrations against the backdrop of the difficult times of the Protectorate. Vlastimil Brodsky's portrayal of a Nazi officer and his iconic line "The situation of our armies, fighting for the welfare of all the nations of Europe, whether they like it or not, is most favorable" are unforgettable. The stamping of the young dispatcher's bottom by Somr is probably the most erotic scene in the history of Czech cinema. A well deserved Oscar. (13/04/2003)

Bohumil Hrabal could weave such human stories as nobly as Jiří Menzel could direct them. Besides the specific setting and, especially, the period, which reflects certain characteristics and moods, Closely Observed Trains has a really well thought-out romantic subtext in the form of the indefatigable womanizer Josef Somr and the shy young man Václav Neckář, who make a really excellent acting duo. Once again, Hrabal's somewhat strange style, which prefers to focus on an attractive female backside rather than on the atmosphere and the hardships of that heated period, comes into full play here. Maybe it didn't quite fit me, but without it, this ridiculous drama probably wouldn't be what it is today... (29/08/2012)

One of those Czech films that appear unnoticeable, but once you watch them, you understand why there was so much fuss about it. "Closely Watched Trains" is a remarkable depiction of Hrabal's work, as well as human nature. The acting is absolutely excellent, and some lines and scenes are simply unforgettable. "You know, I thought you would handle it" completely knocked me down. (02/12/2014)

The Oscar-winning collage on the loss of virginity in the Protectorate was never a film of my dreams. I have always been depressed by the lack of historical accuracy of the costumes and make-up of all the characters. All the scenes from the photo studio, where the famous song from the operetta is playing in the background, are absolutely irrelevant. Neckář is very immature, Somr is sneaky, and Ježková is classically annoying as hell. I simply don't know that type of Protectorate and I don't believe the illusion for a second. And when Brodský sovereignly walks into the solitary performances with his pro-Reich speeches, it's like a different film, which should have been made by someone else and completely differently. (16/11/2014)