Summary
The 1987 motion picture Jemné umění obrany (The Fine Art of Defence) happens to be the sole cinema title in the filmography of director Jana Semschová. Interestingly, although it was certainly made for the big screen, it very much draws on a television motif: eighteen-year-old Martina, set to be released from a children’s home into adult life, is being filmed by a young TV director, Slávek Havel. He is, however, only one of a range of characters who have some persuasion in Martina’s decision-making about her future. A youth from the kids’ home, Šíša, as well as the governess nicknamed “Smrtka” (“the banshee”) and the home director Pitrýsek are among those who have influence... With the help of friends as well as apparent enemies, Martina learns that just like in judo – a martial art which she pursues – existence among people also has its complex rules... Director Semschová entrusted her leading part to debuting actress Jana Krišicová, a performer who eventually did not succeed in the acting business. The use of professional actors (Maroš Kramár, Jana Riháková) said something about her wish for authenticity in her first foray into cinema filmmaking.
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