Summary
With his feature film debut Dneska přišel nový kluk (A New Boy Started Today, 1981), director Vladimir Drha set the tone for numerous Czech films that provide a critical view of society through the eyes of young protagonists. In his second film, Mezek (The Mulish Victor, 1983), Drha shifted his focus to a tutor who steadily tries to improve the prospects young people, in particular boys at a mining vocational school. Although the pedagogical efforts of Viktor Mezek often come to naught, they never lack personal involvement and honesty. Mezek has, however, sacrificed everything for his charges and his personal life is about to crash and burn… The screenplay for Mezek came from seasoned screenwriter Irena Charvátová (Housata [Goslings, 1979], Skleněný dům [Glass House, 1981], Hadí jed [Snake Poison, 1981]). This modestly conceived motion picture strives for authenticity by casting non-professional actors. The lead role, however, went to experienced actor Jiří Hálek.
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