Slečna Rajka

Eva Sadková was among the absolute top directors in Czech television drama productions. She typically chose high-quality literary sources with strong moral messages and intriguing dramatic plots. It's no coincidence that she turned to Adrič's novel, featuring a protagonist reminiscent of the famous Gobseck, whom Sadková later also adapted for television. The tragic character of a woman who gradually transforms loving affection into ruthless accumulation of wealth naturally arouses interest, though it must be admitted that Gobseck is better written, with more layers, a more mysterious character, and simply a bigger player. The Serbian moneylender, by contrast, is somewhat one-dimensional, and her ending is overly straightforwardly moralistic. Gabriela Vránová excels in the lead role, supported skillfully by the rest of the cast. The play is also intriguing due to its setting in the Balkans during World War I. Not many projects have explored these regions in the Czech television landscape. Overall impression: 80%. (21.07.2009)