This film will no longer be available in Subscription from 29 November
Audition
Considered the first of the Czech New Wave, launching the career of Miloš Forman and showcasing his trademark use of non-actors, focusing on ordinary people in everyday life.
Director: Milos Forman
Overview
Originally two short films testifying to Forman’s passion for music, Audition and If There were no Music, were released together under the title Audition. In If There Were No Music we follow two young men who skip brass band rehearsals for motorcycle races, much to their band leaders‘ dismay. This film shows a genuine appreciation for traditional Czech music while Audition features pop numbers performed to hilarious effect by hopeful applicants auditioning for Prague‘s Semafor Theatre.
Successfuly blending documentary-style coverage with fictional narratives, this an authentic portrayal of youthful rebellion against societal and generational restraint and conformity. Its bold new language and authenticity lie at the core of Forman’s interests and the entire Czechoslovak New Wave, making it a landmark in cinema history. Part of the Year of Czech Music celebrations.
Related
Big Banana Feet Big Banana Feet
Documentary 1976 78 mins Director: Murray Grigor and Patrick Higson
Captivating 'lost' record of Billy Connolly on the cusp of international stardom during his 1975 tour of Ireland.
Name Me Lawand Name Me Lawand
Documentary 2022 90 mins Director: Edward Lovelace
Edward Lovelace explores the power of communication and community with this rapturous portrait of a young deaf Kurdish boy.
Visions, Dreams and Magic: The Unmade Films of Michael Powell Visions, Dreams and Magic: The Unmade Films of Michael Powell
Short documentary 2024 41 mins Director: Nic Wassell
Discover the unrealised visions and passion projects of revered British filmmaker Michael Powell, in this fascinating documentary featuring Oscar-winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker.
Anselm Anselm
Biopic 2023 94 mins Director: Wim Wenders
Wim Wenders' stately and beautifully scored study of Anselm Kiefer.
Flavio Flavio
Documentary 1964 11 mins Director: Gordon Parks
Photographer Gordon Parks’ remarkable film depicts a day in the life of an industrious 12-year-old boy living in the impoverished favela slums of Rio de Janeiro.
Everything at Once Everything at Once
Documentary 2021 103 mins Director: Alberto Fuguet
A peek behind the scenes at the homoerotic photography zine Kink, which has cultivated an intimate style employing non-professional models.
Witchhammer Witchhammer
Historical drama 1969 102 mins Director: Otakar Vávra
A notorious 17th-century witch trial turns into a powerful allegory of life under totalitarian rule, in this chilling Czech political fable.
A Bittersweet Life A Bittersweet Life
Action and Adventure 2005 120 mins Director: Kim Jee-woon and Doo Hong Jung
A hitman becomes the target in this ultra-stylish neo noir from Kim Jee-woon.
The Foul King The Foul King
Comedy 2000 112 mins Director: Kim Jee-woon
Kim Jee-woon’s hilarious comedy, starring Song Kang-ho (Parasite) as a wimpy bank clerk who turns his hand to competitive wrestling.
After the Long Rains After the Long Rains
Drama 2024 91 mins Director: Damien Hauser
Ten-year-old Aisha courageously pursues her dream of becoming an actress in this exquisite coming-of-age tale from Kenya.
Lemonade Joe Lemonade Joe
Western 1964 99 mins Director: Oldrich Lipsky
A hilarious, energetic musical parody of old-style westerns, full of twists and hidden identities, which boasts a considerable cult following in the Czech Republic.
The Chaser The Chaser
Crime 2008 125 mins Director: Na Hong-jin
A disgraced ex-cop has twelve hours to stop the release of a serial killer in this acclaimed, multi award-winning cult classic.
Police Story Police Story
Martial arts 1985 101 mins Director: Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan's mind-blowing, high-octane extravaganza of death-defying stunts and action comedy.
Hapkido Hapkido
Action and Adventure 1972 98 mins Director: Huang Feng
Two martial arts schools battle it out in Huang Feng’s action classic (aka Lady Kung Fu), starring long term collaborator and combat master, Angela Mao.
Project A Project A
Action and Adventure 1983 106 mins Director: Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan’s rip-roaring action-adventure about a coastguard hot on the trail of a ruthless band of pirates in late 19th century Hong Kong.
China O'Brien China O'Brien
Action and Adventure 1991 91 mins Director: Robert Clouse
Cynthia Rothrock stars as the tough city cop and martial artist on the trail of a local crime boss, in this action classic from the director of Enter the Dragon.
Jesus' Son Jesus' Son
Drama 1999 108 mins Director: Alison Maclean
Billy Crudup stars as a young drifter who gets hooked on heroin in this star-studded story of addiction, recovery and redemption.
The New Boy The New Boy
Drama 2023 96 mins Director: Warwick Thornton
Cate Blanchett is mesmerising as a feverish nun, in Warwick Thornton’s striking tale of spiritual worlds colliding in 1940s Australia.