BootDigest
Such a frustrating disappointment
Lachlan Coulson
This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.
Rosie Searle
It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
Atul Kumthekar
Similar comment is posted earlier. But this did kind of warn me of my future not so far ahead in future! Financial management is key to success and may even famous people do not do it and face the peril in the end. Developed country or not, it is the same story. The wife's approach looks right but the husband seem right too. As money is not the end in itself. Have it enough so as to not to waste time on worrying - know that limit of yours, is what I would say, is my take away from this movie.Now writing these lines just to make the review more than 10 lines as mandated by guidelines :) - the actors seems genuinely common people and not the well known heroes, at least for me as I do not know much of the Czech film industry. One of the channels shows all such international films and are usually pretty good. I am going to recommend this movie for local film clubs.
NaplesMacMan
As an (aging) college professor, I am constantly in contact with American youth who think that old folks are "icky, out-of-it, unaware, dull, and boring." And here at last, is a masterful film that demonstrates that some seniors are really young people who happen to be trapped in old bodies. Without spoiling the plot line, let me just say that the lead character in this film brought tears to my eyes with his portrayal of one man's struggle to remain young and vibrant. And also, it was just wonderful to see a story told so well through ACTING and PHOTOGRAPHY without lab-generated special effects. This film's a real gem!
George Parker
"Autumn Spring" tells of the misadventures of a dapper, walrus faced, 78 (approx) year old Czech man who haplessly befuddles and bemuses all who know him with his mischievous ways while his wife meticulously plans her funeral. Centerpiece Hana (Brodský) shows us how to get babes to kiss you when your 78 and how to cop a feel in an elevator and get thanked for it as he pranks his way from day to day in this warm and glowing look at old age and one man's creative, amusing, but socially unacceptable ways of enjoying life while refusing to be relegated to the old folk's home. "Autumn Spring" is a plodding, subtle comedy with messages for all ages which will have the greatest appeal with more mature foreign film buffs. (B+)
Christian
Renowned Czech actor Vlastimil Brodský, mostly known in North America for his leading role as Jacob in the original Est German/Czech production of Jacob the Liar (Jakob, der Lügner 1974) gives us a last brilliant performance as a 80 year old prankster who refuses to admit that he is about to die.Jirí Hubac's screenplay is exquisite. Funny, moving and well-developed. It explores well both the subject of advanced old age and the motivations of characters that are precariously strong and fragile, happy and unsettled.
Frantisek (Vlastimil Brodský) and his best friend Eda (Stanislav Zindulka) are up to all types of shenanigans and are making sure to make the best out of their dying days. Meanwhile, Frantisek's wife is preparing for their death, saving up for funeral money and chastising Frantisek for his endless childishness and irresponsible attitude. Their son is about to take their apartment over and put them into a retirement home, but Frantisek doesn't want to hear any of that. He wants to enjoy life and make people around him laugh. He wants to help and love and give... but at what cost?Sure to captivate adults of all ages, this fine piece of film by talented director Vladimír Michálek is both touching and funny. It makes you think of how we live our lives and why we live our lives. It brings the simple story of a charming stubborn old man to the forefront and allow us to reflect and feel what life is all about.After an active career lasting more than 40 years, it is somewhat sombre to know that Vlastimil Brodsk died in April 2002, no longer in the grip of terminal cancer. It is however uplifting to think that he had the chance to be a part of such a moving script and to be the catalyst of this ode to joyful old age that has not even started to make the waves it is about to create in North American repertoire cinema.
After the international success of Jan Hrebejk's "Divided We Fall (2000)", it is starting to be clear that Czech cinema has indeed something to offer to the world. This film at least is a must see.
