Summary
Real-life problems such as an unwanted pregnancy and an ensuing abortion were largely taboo for films made during the 1970s and 80s era of “normalisation”. But this 1987 film from director Otakar Kosek is a rare exception, albeit one told with a hint of detached humour. The film tells the story of teenage girl Slávka, whose abortion leads to a delay in her A-Level exams. The family covers up the procedure by outwardly pretending their daughter had to have her appendix removed. Meanwhile, Slávka’s friend Magda cannot decide between two lovers, and also ends up getting pregnant... This story of two school friends with very different personalities, who are both forced to grow up very fast, sees Barbora Srncová (Magda) and Zuzana Vačková (Slávka) in the leading roles. Pavel Nový offers a subtle performance as Slávka’s straight-shooting father, while Magda’s amoral mother presents a major acting opportunity for Evelyna Steimarová.
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