The Seven Ravens (Sedmero krkavců): A Tale of Courage and Redemption

The Seven Ravens (Sedmero krkavců) is a powerful Czech fantasy film inspired by Božena Němcová’s classic fairy tale of the same name. The story follows Bohdanka, a brave young woman who sets out to break a curse placed on her seven brothers, who were transformed into ravens due to their mother's angry words. This journey, grounded in themes of courage, perseverance, and love, unfolds as Bohdanka learns that only she can save her brothers by completing a near-impossible task. Guided by a local witch, she must gather stinging nettles, spin the fibers into fabric, and sew each brother a shirt without any assistance.  The film, directed with a more somber and realistic tone, sets itself apart from traditional fairy tales. Unlike lighter Czech fairy tales, The Seven Ravens leans into the fantasy genre, with a medieval atmosphere and stunning visuals shot in the Tatra Mountains and at Zvíkov Castle. The visual and emotional intensity gives the story a unique place in Czech cinema, praised for its depth and departure from typical cheerful narratives.  Audiences have celebrated The Seven Ravens for its serious, fantasy-driven storyline that brings a fresh perspective to Czech fairy tales. The film is often compared to Princess Fantaghiro due to its adventurous and fantasy-based tone, standing in contrast to lighthearted tales like Three Veterans. The collaboration between Czech and Slovak production teams, along with strong performances—especially by Klára Issová as Bohdanka—make this film a standout. The music, scenic locations, and Issová’s portrayal of Bohdanka, which relies heavily on facial expression rather than dialogue, add to the film’s compelling atmosphere.  On the first day of filming, a raven, hungry and unimpressed with the chicken provided by the crew, instead targeted actress Sabina Remundová, who played Alexandra, and pecked her between the eyes. This unusual incident adds to the lore surrounding the film’s production and hints at the wild, untamed spirit captured on screen.  The Seven Ravens stands as a well-loved adaptation, blending elements of traditional Czech folklore with fantasy, realism, and stunning cinematography to create a timeless tale of love and redemption.