Terminus

Stories dealing with the autumn years of the elderly are usually associated with melancholy tones and quality casting choices. That is very much the case in this drama inspired by a 1971 novel from author Zdeňek Pluhař. Both this author and director Jaroslav Balík often offered up ideological themes in their works. But in the case of Konečná stanice (Terminus, 1981) we find an intimate tale set in an old people’s home. Within the mosaic of human stories a message gradually emerges that “home is not somewhere, but someone”. This adage is discovered by granny Forejtka, who returns to the home each year after her summer hikes. The same is also discovered by former opera singer Kálajová. Balík’s far from optimistic film strongly relies on its talented cast, which sees an array of ageing First Republic stars of old coming together. The role of energetic Sandra is played by Nelly Geierová; the love-struck musician Pavlus is played by Ota Sklenčka. The part of Anička was to be the final film role for the then 69-year-old Nataša Gollová.