Klic svateho Petra: The Forgotten Christmas Fairytale with English Subtitles

Last year’s Christmas fairytale, Klíč svatého Petra, may have slipped under the radar for some, but it’s time to bring this charming story back into the spotlight! And what better time to do so than now, especially since the DVD release includes English subtitles, making it accessible for a wider audience.  The story revolves around three unlikely companions: the thief Vilém, the con artist Emílie, and the innocent Tobiáš, who somehow finds himself entangled in the theft of Saint Peter’s key. Their bungled attempt at stealing leads them to a watery fate—they all end up as spirits in a castle pond under the watchful eye of a water sprite. When they find themselves before the gates of heaven, Saint Peter gives them an ultimatum: return to earth, find his missing key within a set time, or be condemned to hell.  Their journey takes them to a grand castle where they must navigate a series of challenges, including meeting a beautiful princess, a benevolent king, and contending with treacherous chancellors and their devious schemes. The storyline is rich with humor and adventure, all set against the backdrop of stunning locations like Zvíkov, Sychrov Castle, and Slavonice.  While Klíč svatého Petra might not have reached the heights of Princezna a půl království or Korunní princ, it has its own charm. There are moments of dark humor—how many fairytales start with the death of three young people?—and a script that keeps the story flowing with wit and precision. The film may have its slow spots, and the casting has been critiqued as reminiscent of TV Barrandov, but the excellent cinematography and well-executed production design more than make up for it. The tavern scenes add a layer of humor, and, honestly, how many fairytales feature a pub as a key setting?  In the end, Klíč svatého Petra stands out as a fairytale worth revisiting. It may take a second watch to fully appreciate its unique quirks and dark humor, but it’s a delightful adventure with excellent craftsmanship. And now, with the added bonus of English subtitles, it’s ready to charm an international audience. Give it a try—you might find it becomes one of your unexpected favorites!