Wonderful Years That Sucked: A Timeless Czech Classic
Wonderful Years That Sucked (Báječná léta pod psa) is one of those rare films that you can watch multiple times a year without ever getting tired of it. Based on the popular bestseller by Michal Viewegh, this film tells the story of an ordinary family navigating the trials of life during the era of normalization in Czechoslovakia. With its ironic tone and clever humor, the movie offers a poignant yet entertaining look at a challenging time in the country’s history.
The story begins with the birth of Kvído, the son of Helena and Aleš, portrayed brilliantly by Libuše Šafránková and Ondřej Vetchý. Kvído’s arrival during a performance of Waiting for Godot seems to foreshadow the absurdity and challenges that will follow. When Kvído is six years old, Russian tanks roll in, and the family moves to a First Republic villa by the Sázava River. However, they’re only given a small, cold part of the villa, far from the luxurious life they imagined. The local communist glassworks director, Šperk, played by the outstanding Vladimír Javorský, offers them better living conditions—but only if Aleš publicly supports the regime, which he refuses to do. It is young Kvído who eventually saves the day, illustrating the resilience and wit that defines the film.
This movie is a fantastic comedy, a brilliant satire of totalitarianism, told with a mix of wit, imagination, and seriousness. Having just read the book, I immediately watched the film, and it did not disappoint. Viewegh’s novel is superb, and Petr Nikolaev’s direction brings it to life wonderfully on screen. While the book, as with most adaptations, offers more detail, the film captures its essence with a similarly sharp and humorous script. Several lines are lifted directly from the book, maintaining the novel's spirit and charm.
The casting is spot-on, with Vetchý and Šafránková perfectly embodying Kvído’s parents. Vetchý’s performance, especially in the scene where he builds a coffin, is nothing short of remarkable. The child actors also deliver strong performances, and Jakub Wehrenberg as the adult Kvído does an excellent job of tying the story together. Vladimír Javorský’s portrayal of Šperk adds a significant dose of humor, making his character one of the highlights of the film. The cinematography by Martin Duba is superb, and the music, along with the title song, complements the film beautifully.
Wonderful Years That Sucked is one of the best Czech films ever made, with scenes like the one with Mirjana on the boat and Šperk’s comedic moments standing out as unforgettable. While there are few post-revolution films that effectively capture the oppressive atmosphere of the normalization era, this film does so with finesse. It presents a well-crafted retro environment and high-quality acting, showing what people endured under the communist regime without resorting to overly explanatory dialogue. Depending on your perspective, the film may either amuse you or stir up anger and frustration at the communist apparatus. However, its portrayal of history is invaluable, and it stands as a testament to a period that should not be forgotten.
For me, Wonderful Years That Sucked earns the highest rating. It’s a brilliant film that manages to educate while entertaining, capturing the complexities of life under communism with humor and heart. Whether you find yourself laughing or reflecting on the darker aspects of the past, this film is a must-see.