Movie Review: Vratné Lahve
Maple Pictures, Jan Sverák's Film Empties, Starring Zdenek Sverák
May 28, 2009
What happens when you retire? What do you do with your life when the two major foci of your life (work and kids) have gone? How do you restore the spark in a marriage when you've seemingly drifted into a state of comfortable bickering with no passion?
These are the questions Czech director Jan Sverák (Kolya) seeks to answer with his latest film Vratné Lahve (Empties). Written by, and starring, his father Zdenek Sverák, the film depicts a battle to keep hope and optimism alive when routine has bitten hard and ambitions are low.
Jan Sverák's Vratné Lahve (Empties) Stars Zdenek Sverák and Daniela Kolárová
Schoolteacher Josef Tkaloun (Sverák) abruptly retires, unable to control his students or his frustration with their obnoxious behaviour. Once he does, he's rudderless, unwilling and unable to descend into a useless retirement. When his first choice of a second career – bicycle courier – doesn't work out, he takes a part-time job as a bottle recycler at the local supermarket, dispensing advice and good cheer to his customers. He also acts as impromptu matchmaker, trying to teach his coworkers about life and love, and setting his heartbroken daughter up with his former assistant principal (Jirí Machácek).
But the job that Tkaloun so loves may be in jeopardy, and he's feeling tempted by other women: at least one, a fellow schoolteacher (Nella Boudová), makes it clear that she would enjoy Tlakoun's presence in her bed. In addition, Tkaloun's scolding wife (Daniela Kolárová) – wondering if her husband has finally lost his mind – is feeling neglected and is herself tempted by another man.
All this could be grounds for a turgid weep-fest, but the Sveráks' script and direction leaven the doom and gloom with frequent moments of lightness and warmth. Whether it's the occasional slapstick moment or touching scenes (Tlakoun teaching his grandson to pee standing up), Vratné Lahve depicts a world where comedy and heartbreak are both a fingers-width away.
The Final Analysis
Although Vratné Lahve's reach may at times exceed its grasp, it has a rawness and honesty that's compelling to watch. Festival audiences have agreed; the movie won the Audience awards at the Cottbus, Czech Lions, Ljubljana and Karlovy Vary international film festivals. Fans of European films like Amelie or Is Anybody There would appreciate what this flick has to offer.
While the pacing might be slow, and lack the whiz-bang visuals of your typical Hollywood blockbuster, the patient audience member will be rewarded with a compelling film. Vratné Lahve gets a 7/10.
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