A tree, a tavern, and the slow death of a village's soul — Czech style.
The inhabitants of a picturesque village proud of its ancient linden tree will be disturbed by a disturbing event - a temporary road diversion is supposed to lead through the village. At first the population protests against the increased traffic, but eventually gets used to the bustle and excitement. Some, such as the innkeeper, benefit from the situation...
Acting
Sovák's perfectly measured everyman descent.
Direction
Mach's sly, unhurried satirical eye.
Writing
Script that stings more with each rewatch.
Director
Josef Mach
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot during the Prague Spring's brief thaw, the film's critique of Soviet-era 'progress' went miraculously unnoticed by censors — likely because they missed the metaphor entirely.
The ancient linden was real; locals still argue whether the production damaged it more than the fictional road ever could.
XC
