In 2013, Karin Krajčo Babinská created a beautiful film in the Czech Republic that has become so beloved, it's now considered a traditional Christmas movie. Titled Křídla Vánoc in Czech, Krídla Vianoc in Slovak, and Wings of Christmas in English, this blend of drama and comedy offers a unique cinematic experience.
Set primarily in a shopping center during the Christmas season, Wings of Christmas interweaves the stories of four friends who work there. Tomáš, played by Richard Krajčo, is an optician and an eye doctor by training who loves freedom and women. He lives in a trailer near the shopping center, where his horse roams freely. Nina, portrayed by Vica Kerekes, is a gift wrapper at a kiosk, known for her provocative dressing and blunt openness. Her motto is not to love, to avoid being hurt. Ráďa, played by David Novotný, is the oldest of the group, working as a sales manager in a supermarket and living with his large family in a small apartment. Despite loving his family, he sometimes longs to escape the chaos. Zajíc, a character played by Jakub Prachař, is a freshly graduated actor struggling with auditions and mostly known for his bunny costume, distributing balloons to children.
Each character in Wings of Christmas has their own desires and dreams, and Christmas is depicted as a time when these can be fulfilled. The film is a beautiful fairy tale for adults, reflecting on what we truly wish for in life. While the storytelling is captivating, it's also a commentary on our own lives, desires, and the very essence of human relationships.
From an acting perspective, all performers, especially Richard Krajčo and Vica Kerekes, deliver impressive performances. Karin Krajčo Babinská's direction deserves commendation, potentially even awards, for crafting such a heartwarming story. The only criticism comes with the cinematography; macro detailed running shots sometimes clash with the narrative, and a more traditional approach might have better complemented the winter atmosphere and highlighted that the protagonists are ordinary people with relatable needs and dreams.
An interesting trivia about the film is its music. The song Cesta, performed by Tomáš Klus and Richard Krajčo, which features in the movie, was created in 2012. Both the lyrics and music were composed by Richard Krajčo, and the song has become widely known in the Czech Republic.
Wings of Christmas is not just a film; it's a reminder of the simplicity and beauty of our desires and the magic of Christmas. It stands as one of the most pleasant surprises in Czech cinema in recent years, earning Karin Krajčo Babinská well-deserved praise.