Summary
Among the spotty filmography of director Zbyňek Brynych, this drama from 1972 perhaps serves as his most interesting project. Set in 1943, Oáza (Oasis) tells the story of seven Czechoslovak escapees of a Nazi foreign legion. As their German plane crashes in the Saharan desert, the men are forced into a battle for their very lives. Made in an international co-production with the Soviet Union, the film was shot in Turkmenistan. The taboo subject of Czechs forced to fight for the Nazis is broached amidst the stifling “normalisation” era under the auspices of an anti-Fascist drama. But rather than serving as a war film, Oasis is essentially a simple, clinical description of how spirits can be tested amidst a severe life-or-death struggle. With its unique subject matter, authentic evocation, and visually interesting camera work, the film also benefits from exotic locations and strong acting performances. These are chiefly delivered by Radoslav Brzobohatý, Štefan Kvietik and Rudolf Hrušínský.
Read more
