Witness Of a Dying Era

Miloslav Luther, 1990

Film at Filmový přehled

Summary

The historian, politician and philosopher Jan Jesenius (1566–1621) was brought to life in the five-part Slovak TV series Lekár umierajúceho času (Doctor of the Dying Time, 1983). Seven years after its production, this footage was re-edited into a feature film, dubbed over with Czech-language dialogue. Svědek umírajícího času (The Witness Of a Dying Era, 1990) sees screenwriter Vladimír Körner and director Miloslav Luther tell the story of a noted Czech historical figure. Jan Jesenius works in Prague in the court of Emperor Rudolf II. He becomes rector of Charles University, and along with his students helps to make significant strides in the world of medicine. Jesenius battles on behalf of the Czech Crown, and is executed following the Battle of White Mountain. Petr Čepek excels in the lead role in this expansive historical epic. Also offering a strong performance is Rudolf Hrušínský as Rudolf II.
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Film data

About a film

Production year 1990
Countries Czechoslovakia
Categories film
Genres drama, historical, biography
Form feature
Duration 96 min
Director Miloslav Luther
Cast Petr Čepek, Emma Černá, Rudolf Hrušínský, Miloš Nedbal, Martin Huba
Director of photography Ivan Šlapeta
Screenplay Vladimír Körner
Editor Jiří Brožek
Production designer Jiří Hlupý
Music Jiří Bulis
Sound designer Jiří Kříž