Champions (2004) [N/A]

Release Date:
April 1, 2004

Original Title:
Mistři

Genres:
Drama

Production Companies:
Barrandov Studio
Negativ
Česká televize

Production Countries:
Czech Republic

Ratings / Certifications:
CZ: 12+ 

Runtime: 83

Ice hockey is a Czech national obsession, and the country's victory over Russia in the 1969 World Championships, the year following the Soviet invasion, is a celebrated moment in its history. In Marek Najbrt's black comedy, the heroic exploits take place only on a black and white tv screen as a group of representative misfits gather and watch the game in a desolate village on the Czech border. While consisting of recognisable types, Najbrt's bleak portrait reveals a world of alcoholism, debt, racism, bigotry, and infidelity that trails behind the dreams of nationalism and bears little resemblance to the fantasies of the new consumerism. A clever and multi-levelled film, it provides a sharp antidote to the reconciliatory charms of the conventional Czech comedy.

Additional information:

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Assistant Director:
Lukáš Viznar

Costume Design:
Andrea Králová

Director:
Marek Najbrt

Director of Photography:
Miloslav Holman

Dramaturgy:
Kristián Suda

Editor:
Pavel Hrdlička

First Assistant Director:
Kateřina Oujezdská

Makeup & Hair:
Jana Dopitová

Music:
Petr Marek

Producer:
Milan Kuchynka
Pavel Strnad

Production Design:
Milan Býček

Screenplay:
Robert Geisler
Marek Najbrt
Benjamin Tuček

Sound:
Jiří Melcher

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