Ubohý pan Kufalt

One of the forgotten yet exceptionally interesting television plays from the perspective of its dramatic material, casting, and performances. It offered a significant and well-utilized opportunity for Luďek Munzar in the role of an embittered ex-convict determined to rebuild his career by any means necessary. His antagonist is portrayed by Rudolf Hrušínský as the owner of a company employing former prisoners and exploiting their desperate position in the job market during an economic crisis. Two strong personalities clash and two masks are worn. Only one can emerge victorious... Overall impression: 90%. (15.07.2008)

The first part is more than a good watch. Actually, it's great. All the actors without exception do a (by today's standards) above-standard job, and the interplay between Luděk Munzar, Rudolf Hrušínský, Josef Somr, Petr Haničinec and Ilya Racek is a joy to watch. I was also easily won over by Iva Janžurová's civil performance, and I was amused to discover that this film is actually a gangster film about the rise (and probably fall, we'll see in the second part) of a newly released prisoner, set in 1930s Germany. Stylish, nice.__P.S. The second part is on the same level. I was especially pleased with the larger space given to Josef Vinklář, Gabriela Vránová and the final carriage ride. (01.10.2011)