World Cinema: Eastern European

A hilarious story that follows the life of a lucky barman starting in the opulent 20s & 30s with tales of the Czech aristocracy's extravagant life, through to the subsequent German invasion and war, finally ending in the Communist era.

Against the backdrop of the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, a Prague doctor and womaniser finds himself in a relationship with the naive young Tereza, whilst still enjoying carnal delights with his artist lover. An intelligent romantic-drama with an insight into the politics of bohemian Prague at that time. It would seem too long at 3 hours if it were not for the numerous gratuitous sex scenes that add some spice to the more serious aspects of the drama.

Totally surreal tale of two brothers' resistance against the German occupation of Yugoslavia. They form an underground society to help the communist effort by producing weapons. This is an epic film that covers 50 years in three hours as the crazy Serbs continue their fight against the fascist foe right up to the civil war.

Comedic yet tragic tales of the absurd life of Romanians during the days of Ceaucescu's communist rule.

Two students in communist Romania during the '80s seek out an illegal abortion. Despite a slow start this film imparts a very powerful message when it comes to the crux.

Pretty scenes of the lives of gypsies on the banks of the Danube. More quirky Yugoslavian culture from Kusturica.

Dark Czech fairy tale about a couple who long for a child so much that they go crazy and produce a monster. It would be a disturbing horror movie if not for the comical stop-motion animation. Not very engrossing.

A very cliched view of a mental hospital that happens to get caught up in the Russian-Chechen war. Occasionally amusing war humour and an impressive helicopter crash is all this movie has to offer.

A very bleak coming of age tale that is "all about the art", though I just don't get the point of it all.