This is an exceptional movie concerning the holocaust and the Czechoslovakian peoples' reaction to Nazi rule and their laws regarding the Jews. Instead of focusing on the perspective of Jews, the film centers on a seemingly comical and insignificant man (Antonin Brtko) whose brother-in-law is a high local official for the Nazi regime. Brtko is a rather lazy and poor man with few pretensions. However, his simple life is turned upside down when this brother-in-law gives Brtko legal control over a local Jewish business. It seems that ALL Jews are to be stripped of their businesses and they will be given to Aryans. Brtko's wife is ecstatic about their new life and, at first, Brtko feels much the same. It is absolutely AMAZING how they can celebrate their new fortune when it is at the expense of others' great misery! However, when Brtko goes to this shop, he finds it is a very poor button shop run by a 78 year-old lady who is hard of hearing. Try as he can to explain that she MUST vacate the premises because he is the new owner, she is completely oblivious of her plight. In addition, she is a sweet old woman and Brtko just can't bring himself to force her out onto the street.
At times, this predicament and their relationship seemed rather comical and sweet, but as this is based on a horrific time in history, this all builds until the terrible conclusion. How this conclusion is handled and Brtko's reaction is exceptionally well handled and I don't want to say more, as it might spoil the film.
I am actually amazed this movie was made, as it is a very scathing indictment of the Czechoslovakians. It does not flinch in its portrayal of the complicity and joy felt by many during this sick time.
At times, this predicament and their relationship seemed rather comical and sweet, but as this is based on a horrific time in history, this all builds until the terrible conclusion. How this conclusion is handled and Brtko's reaction is exceptionally well handled and I don't want to say more, as it might spoil the film.
I am actually amazed this movie was made, as it is a very scathing indictment of the Czechoslovakians. It does not flinch in its portrayal of the complicity and joy felt by many during this sick time.