Zelary (2003)

73% of critics liked it
(51 reviews)
88% of users liked it
(2,507 ratings)

Czech filmmaker Ondrej Trojan directs the period war drama Zelary, based on the novella Jozova Hanule by Kveta Legátová. During WWII, nurse Eliska (Anna Geislerová) is part of a secret resistance movement with her lover, surgeon Richard Littner (Ivan Trojan). When he is discovered, Eliska is forced… More Czech filmmaker Ondrej Trojan directs the period war drama Zelary, based on the novella Jozova Hanule by Kveta Legátová. During WWII, nurse Eliska (Anna Geislerová) is part of a secret resistance movement with her lover, surgeon Richard Littner (Ivan Trojan). When he is discovered, Eliska is forced to leave the hospital in order to hide from the Nazis. Her colleague Dr. Chladek (Jan Hrusínský) sends her off with mountain man Joza ( György Cserhalmi), who had been a patient in the hospital. Under the name Hana, Eliska travels with Joza to the tiny Moravian village of Zelary. They live in a modest cabin for two years, waiting for the Nazi occupation to end. Zelary was the Czech submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2003. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Ondrej Trojan
Written By: Petr Jarchovsky
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Sep 17, 2004 Limited
On DVD: Feb 8, 2005
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics

Critic Reviews

Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
The story is as basic as a peasant meal -- and just as hearty.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Sometimes transcends its predictability. But at two and a half hours, 'sometimes' isn't really often enough.
Janice Page, Boston Globe
Humble, heartwarming storytelling with good acting and lush visuals.
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Trojan's direction is capable, and Asen Sopov's dark-hued cinematography is even better than that. The only thing missing is an appreciation for drama that does more than deliver the expected.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
A trite but sturdy offering.
Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News
An intimate epic with the scope of old Hollywood and the emotional depth of a rigorous art film.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
...may seem long and solemn to those used to the pacy rhythms of Hollywood films, but the sense of ennui it occasionally evokes strengthens its grip
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
Here's a film that manages to tell its tale without pandering, without cheap melodrama, without gimmicks and without big-name stars. Instead, it simply develops its characters and lets the drama unfold naturally.
Sean Means, Salt Lake Tribune
When it should be building toward something stirring, Zelary instead meanders like the sheep grazing on the nearby hillsides.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
[E]schews... sentimentality, but we've seen this story too many times before...
Jack Garner, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Offers a wide span of emotions and experiences.
Richard C. Walls, Orlando Weekly
A detailed tale well told.
Robert W. Butler, Kansas City Star
Well-acted, well-made and moderately involving.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Daisy M

From the Czech Republic came Zelary a masterful war drama showing heart-breaking scenes, no wonder it was nominated for best Foreign Language movie in 2004.The story was about a young medical student Eliska, who was a member of the Czech resistance during WWII. When the Gestapo… More
From the Czech Republic came Zelary a masterful war drama showing heart-breaking scenes, no wonder it was nominated for best Foreign Language movie in 2004.The story was about a young medical student Eliska, who was a member of the Czech resistance during WWII. When the Gestapo captured one of her friends, she must hide and went with Joza to the mountains, a man she saved his life by giving him a blood transfusion. As part of her new identity, she must marry Joza, to be accepted in the village.The story showed her adaptation in this beautiful mountain village, and her growing attachment and love she felt for Joza..Zelary showed beautiful cinematography, marvelous music and excellent directing and great acting of Czech actors.

Cast

Anna Geislerová
as Eliska/Hana
György Cserhalmi
as Joza
Ivan Trojan
as Richard Littner

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Zelary (2003)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Daisy M

Cast

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