One of the most beloved Czech films of the post-communist era has returned in a beautifully remastered Blu-ray edition. Autumn Spring (Babí léto, 2001) is a bittersweet, heartwarming story that proves it’s never too late to live life on your own terms.
The legendary Vlastimil Brodský stars as František, a spirited seventy-five-year-old who refuses to settle into the routine of old age. Unlike his loving but worried wife (played by the wonderful Stella Zázvorková), František embraces every day as an opportunity for adventure. With his loyal friend from the operetta, he brings theatrical roles to life—posing as a wealthy buyer of castles, a mountain climber, even a public official. All in the name of joy, mischief, and freedom.
Autumn Spring is a gem filled with tender humor, whimsical moments, and a deeply human message. It became both a cinematic farewell and a tribute to Brodský himself, who passed away shortly after filming. His chemistry with Zázvorková is timeless, and the divorce court scene is considered one of the most beautiful declarations of love in Czech cinema.
The new Blu-ray restoration brings this touching film to a new level of visual and audio clarity, reminding viewers everywhere that aging doesn’t have to mean giving up—it can mean holding on to what makes life worth living.