Antonín Dvořák

It is a shame that we do not have a proper and well-known biographical film about the modest giant Antonín Dvořák in Czech cinema (except perhaps for Vláčil's half-forgotten Concert at the End of Summer). Even the TV documentary I'm reviewing now was co-produced with France, and I'm looking forward to the Americans making “Spillville", a film about Dvořák's stay overseas (that's not gloating, I'm really looking forward to it - among other things because Dvořák is supposed to be played by Tom Hanks, which would be an excellent choice). As for this film, I have no major complaints. Unfortunately, it's obvious that there was more material than what made it to the final form, so it feels too rushed in places, but otherwise I can only recommend it. I especially appreciate the way the authors of the documentary show the mirroring of Dvořák's personal life in his compositions. The emphasis is, of course, mainly on the unrivalled Stabat Mater, which opened the door to the world, but they do not forget smaller works such as Dumky and others. The final emotional scene with Rusalka was really good and looks very beautiful, also thanks to the sadly cheerful eyes of Lubor Tokoš (the ideal representative of our best composer of all time). (24.02.2013)