Cutting It Short, a comedic film directed by Jiří Menzel in 1980, is based on the famous novel of the same name by Bohumil Hrabal. The film follows a series of humorously-toned episodes involving the main characters: the charming manager's wife (M. Vášáryová), her loving husband Francin (J. Schmitzer), and his brother Pepin (J. Hanzlík). The story is interspersed with the ongoing conflict between Francin and the administrative council, which is made up of representatives from the city. Francin's career is threatened by Pepin's noisy antics, as well as the irresistible charm of the manager's wife, which all the men fall under.
The film was released in cinemas at the beginning of 1981 and generated great interest at the time. Despite the fact that the film's subject matter was considered typically national, Cutting It Short had an unexpectedly good reception abroad. As one of the few Czech titles from the early 1980s, the film was purchased by a number of European and overseas distribution networks. The years that have passed have added another, nostalgic charm to this timeless film, as a pleasant memory of times and things that are gone forever. 
Cutting It Short is a superb Menzel film and one of his best adaptations of Hrabal's work. Although it's true that there are some minor criticisms that can be made, such as Pepin's constant antics becoming a bit annoying at times, these are just minor details. 
The actors are absolutely perfect, especially Hanzlik, then both Hrusinsky and Vizner. Menzel once again perfectly managed to convey that poetic mood, so the film is not boring and is funny, even though nothing really happens and there is no story. Simply one of those films that I always enjoy watching.