A Czech film from director Vladimir Michalek, AUTUMN SPRING tackles the theme of aging and death with subtle humor in this film, which tips its hat to the free-spirited New Wave cinema. Irrepressible reprobate Fanda (Vlastimil Brodsky) is determined not to go gently into that good night as he enters his eighties. He and partner-in-crime Eda (Stanislav Zindulka) love to pull stunts and gags, such as impersonating wealthy land-buyers, subway officials, and long-lost friends. Unfortunately their abilities are starting to slip due to their advanced age. Hána's long-suffering wife (Stella Zázvorková) meanwhile, is outraged that he is still up to his old tricks when its time to "take life seriously," prepare for their funerals, give up their apartment, and move into a retirement home. This is a warmhearted but unsentimental look into how different people face inevitable demise, and the cast of seasoned seniors pulls it off with great style and humanity. The film is a career capstone for Brodsky. A renowned Czech actor (CLOSELY WATCHED TRAINS, JAKOB THE LIAR), Brodsky committed suicide not long after this life-affirming film was completed. Still, no actor could ask for a more eloquent curtain call; it's a fine, crowd-pleasing little classic, one for which he will surely be long remembered.
Theatrical Release Date: August 22, 2003 (NY)
DVD Features:
Region [unknown]
Keep Case
Audio:
Dolby Digital - Czech
Additional Release Material:
Previews
Interactive Features:
Scene Selections
Director of Photography
Martin Subra: Director of Photography, AUTUMN SPRING (2003)
Review 1:
"...[With] graceful performances....AUTUMN SPRING is a rare salute to the possibilities of life waiting to be lived..."
Source: Box Office
p.118 09/01/2003
Review 2:
"...[With] Mr. Brodsky's final screen performance in one of his richest roles..."
Source: New York Times
p.E26 08/22/2003
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