Marketa Lazarova

3/4 of the movie is boring. And then... suddenly it's interesting, the moving pictures come to life and you think, great, finally something's happening, only then it slides back into boredom and you have 123 minutes to be bored or think about bug immortality. Really a shame about Markéta Lazarová, I was expecting more, but whatever. Seen as it was meant to be seen, I can't complain... (2009-01-24)

Some movies can be enjoyed like a hamburger, and some are enjoyed only by experienced gourmets. Marketa Lazarová is not a sandwich in a bun that can be chewed between writing text messages and gaming on the computer. It is a long film, but completely different from the long films from Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. To enjoy Marketa Lazarová means to be relaxed, receptive, and appropriately tuned in. It is truly a demanding film that requires concentration because it has minimal dialogue and speaks through visuals and music. The film will likely be appreciated by those who do not hesitate to spend time visiting galleries or reading poetry collections. Such individuals will embrace František Vláčil's symbolism and poetic scenes, the play of light and shadows, or the panoramic long shots of the foggy marshy landscape, where the putrid smell can literally be felt from the image...The actors are good, but Marketa Lazarová is a film that is watched for its direction, camera work, and music. At the same time, it is a film that benefits from a big movie theater screen. Overall impression: 100%. (2007-12-08)

A film that is definitely not for everyone and will probably never be sufficiently appreciated by the general public. I too found the poetically conceived story a bit of a problem, but if I look at everything else – the detailed direction, the beautiful sets, the actors (the amazing Kemr) and especially the incredible atmosphere of the evil Middle Ages underscored by fantastic music – I have no choice but to give this gem a full rating. Vančur's distinctive approach commands respect, and František Vláčil perfectly captured it here and brought to the world a legendary film unparalleled in the history of Czechoslovakia. 90% (2013-05-05)

More challenging than many (even the last) Malick, but undoubtedly a beautiful film with perfect images, Liška's beautiful music, an incredibly medieval atmosphere, great performances (Josef Kemr and Vladimír Menšík in particular) and a story full of thoughts and question marks that will surely make me want to watch Marketa Lazarová again soon, and let me tell you, I'd love to.__P.S It happened, and now I'm adding a fifth star. (2011-10-07)

Impressive images, thoroughly dramatic actors, and - none of it. When the story can be summarized in two sentences, the long shots are on the absolute verge of tolerance, and only the impressive musical background saves what can be saved, I realize that I am incapable of approaching the poetics of this type. (2006-04-05)