Summary
A number of Czechoslovak films present adolescent characters enamoured with the world of rock music. However, given the turbulent events of 1989, this contemporary tale from director Drahomíra Králová largely passed audiences by. The hero of this story is 16-year-old Hynek Engel, who wants to purchase his friend’s guitar so he can begin performing in a new band. He sets about trying to acquire the necessary 10,000 crowns via various schemes. Ten-year-old sister Adélka helps out by tap dancing in several pubs. But ultimately, the determined rocker is destined for disappointment – although the journey surprisingly brings Hynek closer to his father. The strong points of this sensitively made teenage comedy include realistic dialogue and convincing performances from lesser-known actors. These include Martin Kukla (Hynek), who would also later appear in the Věra Plívová-Šimková drama Houpačka (The Hammock, 1990). Magdaléna Učíková turns in a terrific performance as little Adélka, demonstrating a natural talent for comedy. This children’s film, which also documents the contemporary usage of the IQ 151 computer in schools, features an appearance from pop group Visací zámek (Hanging Lock).
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