In the realm of Czech cinema, few films capture the essence of a bygone era with as much wit and melancholy as Jiří Menzel's "The End of Old Times". Based on the novel by Vladislav Vančura, this film, now beautifully restored and available on Blu-Ray with English subtitles, is a testament to the changing tides of history and the enduring charm of storytelling. 
Set in the early years of the independent Czechoslovak Republic, "The End of Old Times" offers a window into a world where the remnants of nobility and the rise of the nouveau riche coalesce. The story unfolds in the grand setting of Kratochvíle Castle, where the narrative pivots around the enigmatic figure of 'Prince' Alexej Megalrogov. His arrival at the residence of Regent Stoklasa ignites a series of events that blend the romanticism of the old world with the stark realities of the new. 
Menzel's film is a masterful tapestry woven with threads of humor and wistfulness. It deftly portrays the juxtaposition of social classes and the quirky characteristics that define them. The film's portrayal of characters who are out of sync with their times serves as a broader metaphor for the societal transformations of the era. 
The performances in "The End of Old Times" are remarkable, with Josef Abrhám, Marian Labuda, Rudolf Hrusinsky, and Jaromir Hanzlik delivering compelling portrayals. Their performances, coupled with Menzel's directorial acumen and Jaromir Šofr's evocative cinematography, create a film that is as visually stunning as it is narratively engaging. 
As a reflection on an era characterized by nostalgia and a sense of loss, "The End of Old Times" delves into themes that resonate beyond its historical setting. It captures the end of an era in Czechoslovakia, marked by the gradual decline of late communist cinema between 1988/89 and 1991/93. This period saw the dismantling of established institutions and a decline in the overall quality of film production. 
Beyond its narrative and thematic richness, the film is also notable for its linguistic texture. The distinctive Vančurovská Czech used in the film adds a layer of authenticity and depth, further immersing the audience in the period it portrays. 
An interesting anecdote from the set involves Josef Abrhám’s son, Josef Abrhám Jr., who, as a child, playfully donned a piece of historical armor and momentarily disappeared, only to return with a helmet filled with foreign currency, amusing tourists and providing a light-hearted moment during the film's production. 
The End of Old Times stands as a poignant reflection by one of Czechoslovakia's most lyrical and profound directors. It is not just a film but a historical artifact, offering insights into a time of transition and the universal human experience of change. This restored version allows contemporary audiences to rediscover and appreciate this classic, ensuring its place in the annals of cinematic history.
Menzel's film is a masterful tapestry woven with threads of humor and wistfulness. It deftly portrays the juxtaposition of social classes and the quirky characteristics that define them. The film's portrayal of characters who are out of sync with their times serves as a broader metaphor for the societal transformations of the era. The performances in "The End of Old Times" are remarkable, with Josef Abrhám, Marian Labuda, Rudolf Hrusinsky, and Jaromir Hanzlik delivering compelling portrayals. Their performances, coupled with Menzel's directorial acumen and Jaromir Šofr's evocative cinematography, create a film that is as visually stunning as it is narratively engaging. As a reflection on an era characterized by nostalgia and a sense of loss, "The End of Old Times" delves into themes that resonate beyond its historical setting. It captures the end of an era in Czechoslovakia, marked by the gradual decline of late communist cinema between 1988/89 and 1991/93. This period saw the dismantling of established institutions and a decline in the overall quality of film production. Beyond its narrative and thematic richness, the film is also notable for its linguistic texture. The distinctive Vančurovská Czech used in the film adds a layer of authenticity and depth, further immersing the audience in the period it portrays. An interesting anecdote from the set involves Josef Abrhám’s son, Josef Abrhám Jr., who, as a child, playfully donned a piece of historical armor and momentarily disappeared, only to return with a helmet filled with foreign currency, amusing tourists and providing a light-hearted moment during the film's production. The End of Old Times stands as a poignant reflection by one of Czechoslovakia's most lyrical and profound directors. It is not just a film but a historical artifact, offering insights into a time of transition and the universal human experience of change. This restored version allows contemporary audiences to rediscover and appreciate this classic, ensuring its place in the annals of cinematic history.