Today for the Last Time
Today for the Last Time

Movie spotlight

Today for the Last Time

1958
Movie
93 min
Czech

Concert master Karel Mašek is a drunk, as well as engineer Danda and other regular guests of the pub U Kroců. Mašek returns from the pub in the morning and promises the woman that he will stop drinking. But he failed again, and the orchestra players refuse to play with him. Danda returns home without a bag and goes to Krocs again in the morning, even though he has an important job at work. He has been degraded to subordinate job position, but he refused to admit it at home.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Karel KachyňaGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

Set in Czechoslovakia during the waning days of World War II, this drama follows a group of individuals grappling with the moral complexities and personal toll of conflict. As the war nears its end, characters face difficult choices that test their loyalties and their humanity. The film explores themes of survival, collaboration, and the struggle for identity in a nation on the brink of liberation.

Critical Reception

The film received a mixed to positive reception, noted for its serious thematic exploration and realistic portrayal of wartime struggles. While some critics praised its atmospheric tension and character development, others found its pacing occasionally slow. It is recognized as a significant work within Czech cinema of the era for its nuanced perspective on the war's impact on ordinary lives.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its somber and realistic depiction of life during wartime.

  • Character studies are compelling, though some find the narrative slow-moving.

  • An important, reflective piece on the human cost of conflict.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available for this older Czech film, but available comments often highlight its historical significance and its ability to evoke empathy for the characters' wartime experiences.

Fun Fact

Karel Kachyňa, the director, was a prominent figure in post-war Czech filmmaking, known for his socially conscious dramas and his collaboration with cinematographer Jan Čuřík.

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