Three peat of Czech films yesterday.

1. All My Countrymen (1968) - Vojtech Jasn
From the New Wave this film has "instantly banned" written all over it. The film takes place during the socialization of Czechoslovakia and everyone's somewhat reluctance to accept this new system. Along the way nearly every authoritative figure meets with an untimely and ironic death. Certainly one of the most satirical of Czech films, and very openly so.

2. The Plastic People of the Universe (2001) - Jana Chytlova
This is a documentary made about one of the most notorious bands in Czech history. Named after a Frank Zappa song and forming after hearing the Velvet Underground's first album this group is beyond odd, and their music reflects the tumultuous time between the Soviet clampdown. The group was eventually reunited at the insistence of the Czech president, and that was the reason for this chronological documentary. Certainly an interesting breed of characters, and spotlighting one of the lesser known oddities of music.

3. Wonderful Years That Sucked (1997) - Petr Nikolaev
Without a doubt one of the best Czech films I've ever seen. With an ironic title like that the film wastes little time in setting up its comedy, and remains extremely funny throughout, without ever really entering into slapstick. Based on the autobiographical writings of Michal Viewegh, the film is something of a coming of age story for a nation, trying to have some ideals and patiently waiting for things to get better. The film runs roughly from the years immediately proceeding the Soviet invasion and the Velvet Revolution. Along the way we have many fascinating characters and lovely portraits of provincial and city life. Not a dull moment, and the film even features a clip from The Cremator, so you can't go wrong with that type of inside reference.