The Elementary School
Encyclopedia
The Elementary School is a 1991 Czech comedy film directed by Jan Svěrák
. The screenplay comes from the pen of his father Zdeněk Svěrák
. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film
in 1991 and is considered to belong among the best Czech films ever.
(1945 and 1946) in one of the suburbs of Prague
(it was shot in Michle
). The main character Eda Souček (Václav Jakoubek) attends a boys' elementary school where he belongs to a class with a complete lack of discipline. After their teacher Maxová (Daniela Kolářová
) goes insane during one of her classes, the schoolmaster (Rudolf Hrušínský
) has to implement special measures. He employs a new male teacher Igor Hnízdo (Jan Tříska
), who is said to be a great war hero. Authoritative Hnízdo immediately introduces corporal punishment
which, as he explains, is not normally allowed but the school has received an exception from the Ministry of Education as a result of their dreadful behaviour. Despite his strict methods, the boys soon become charmed by the man. They love his battlefront stories and the fact that he is always armed and wears a uniform
. Eda sees him as the very opposite of his own father (Zdeněk Svěrák
) whom he considers to be too cowardly. Hnízdo makes the same positive impression on all people he meets (including Eda's mother portrayed by Libuše Šafránková
). Nevertheless, his persona is also surrounded by many controversies. For example his war heroism is disputed as he is unable to provide any accurate information about his military service. There is even an unconfirmed rumour that Hnízdo was only guarding goats during the war. But the boys from his class ignore all negative comments and even fight those who are spreading the rumours. Hnízdo's reputation suffers after he is accused of having a sexual relationship with local twins who attend a girls' school in the same area. He is forced to leave because this is not the first time he has been involved in a similar affair. The formerly unmanageable boys begin to defend Hnízdo and call for his return. The accusation is finally withdrawn and Hnízdo comes back to the class. He states that the way they were dealing with the accusation is a proof that the physical punishments are no longer necessary.
. He used his own experiences both as a pupil of a similar school and as a former teacher. This is the first of the films created by the successful father screenwriter - son director duo. The others include Akumulátor I. (1993), Kolja (1996), Tmavomodrý svět (2000) and Vratné lahve (2007). It was also the first non-documentary film by Jan Svěrák
. Obecná škola is also notable because it includes one of the last roles for two prominent Czech actors Rudolf Hrušínský
(his last big screen film) and Petr Čepek
(appeared in two more films before his death). The film was also the first appearance of Jan Tříska
in a Czech film since his emigration to the United States
in 1977.
Jan Sverák
Jan Svěrák is a Czech film director. He is the son of screenwriter and actor Zdeněk Svěrák. He studied documentary filmmaking at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague...
. The screenplay comes from the pen of his father Zdeněk Svěrák
Zdenek Sverák
Zdeněk Svěrák is a Czech actor, humorist and scriptwriter. He is one of the most popular Czech cultural personalities. In 1989, he was a member of the jury at the 39th Berlin International Film Festival....
. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film
Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film
The Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film is one of the Academy Awards of Merit, popularly known as the Oscars, handed out annually by the U.S.-based Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences...
in 1991 and is considered to belong among the best Czech films ever.
Plot
The film is set shortly after the World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
(1945 and 1946) in one of the suburbs of Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
(it was shot in Michle
Michle
Michle is a district of Prague city, part of Prague 4.Michle has been part of Prague since 1922....
). The main character Eda Souček (Václav Jakoubek) attends a boys' elementary school where he belongs to a class with a complete lack of discipline. After their teacher Maxová (Daniela Kolářová
Daniela Kolárová
- Film :* Kawasaki's Rose * Vratné lahve … Eliška* Tmavomodrý svět … Haniččina matka* Oběti a vrazi … matka* Cesta z města … matka Markéty* V erbu lvice … Anežka...
) goes insane during one of her classes, the schoolmaster (Rudolf Hrušínský
Rudolf Hrušínský
Rudolf Hrušínský was an acclaimed Czech actor.-Biography:He was born in Nová Včelnice to Hermina Červičková and Rudolf Hrušinský . He was born, literally, back stage during a showing of the play Taneček panny Marinky...
) has to implement special measures. He employs a new male teacher Igor Hnízdo (Jan Tříska
Jan Tríska
Jan Triska or Jan Tříska is a Czech-American actor.-Early life and career:He was born in Prague. Before his emigration he performed in the theater and had many roles in movies, the movie version of Radúz a Mahulena and in the communist propaganda piece 30 Cases of Major Zeman...
), who is said to be a great war hero. Authoritative Hnízdo immediately introduces corporal punishment
Corporal punishment
Corporal punishment is a form of physical punishment that involves the deliberate infliction of pain as retribution for an offence, or for the purpose of disciplining or reforming a wrongdoer, or to deter attitudes or behaviour deemed unacceptable...
which, as he explains, is not normally allowed but the school has received an exception from the Ministry of Education as a result of their dreadful behaviour. Despite his strict methods, the boys soon become charmed by the man. They love his battlefront stories and the fact that he is always armed and wears a uniform
Uniform
A uniform is a set of standard clothing worn by members of an organization while participating in that organization's activity. Modern uniforms are worn by armed forces and paramilitary organizations such as police, emergency services, security guards, in some workplaces and schools and by inmates...
. Eda sees him as the very opposite of his own father (Zdeněk Svěrák
Zdenek Sverák
Zdeněk Svěrák is a Czech actor, humorist and scriptwriter. He is one of the most popular Czech cultural personalities. In 1989, he was a member of the jury at the 39th Berlin International Film Festival....
) whom he considers to be too cowardly. Hnízdo makes the same positive impression on all people he meets (including Eda's mother portrayed by Libuše Šafránková
Libuše Šafránková
Libuše Šafránková is a Czech actress. Her husband is actor Josef Abrhám. In 2008 she received the prize Hvězda mého srdce , awarded by the Czech Television.- Filmography :...
). Nevertheless, his persona is also surrounded by many controversies. For example his war heroism is disputed as he is unable to provide any accurate information about his military service. There is even an unconfirmed rumour that Hnízdo was only guarding goats during the war. But the boys from his class ignore all negative comments and even fight those who are spreading the rumours. Hnízdo's reputation suffers after he is accused of having a sexual relationship with local twins who attend a girls' school in the same area. He is forced to leave because this is not the first time he has been involved in a similar affair. The formerly unmanageable boys begin to defend Hnízdo and call for his return. The accusation is finally withdrawn and Hnízdo comes back to the class. He states that the way they were dealing with the accusation is a proof that the physical punishments are no longer necessary.
Cast
- Václav Jakoubek as Eda Souček
- Radoslav Budác as Tonda
- Jan TřískaJan TrískaJan Triska or Jan Tříska is a Czech-American actor.-Early life and career:He was born in Prague. Before his emigration he performed in the theater and had many roles in movies, the movie version of Radúz a Mahulena and in the communist propaganda piece 30 Cases of Major Zeman...
as Igor Hnízdo - Zdeněk SvěrákZdenek SverákZdeněk Svěrák is a Czech actor, humorist and scriptwriter. He is one of the most popular Czech cultural personalities. In 1989, he was a member of the jury at the 39th Berlin International Film Festival....
as František Souček - Libuše ŠafránkováLibuše ŠafránkováLibuše Šafránková is a Czech actress. Her husband is actor Josef Abrhám. In 2008 she received the prize Hvězda mého srdce , awarded by the Czech Television.- Filmography :...
as Mrs. Součková - Rudolf HrušínskýRudolf HrušínskýRudolf Hrušínský was an acclaimed Czech actor.-Biography:He was born in Nová Včelnice to Hermina Červičková and Rudolf Hrušinský . He was born, literally, back stage during a showing of the play Taneček panny Marinky...
as schoolmaster - Rudolf Hrušínský Jr. as Tonda's father
- Eva HolubováEva HolubováEva Holubová is a Czech actress. She has starred in a number of films. She is known for being self-cured from alcoholism . At the moment she can be found at Divadlo Kalich where she plays in several performances.-Selected filmography:...
as Tonda's mother - Petr ČepekPetr CepekPetr Čepek was a Czech actor associated with The Drama Club in Prague. His final film was Faust, directed by Czech surrealist Jan Švankmajer.- Filmography :* 1961: Dva z onoho světa...
as Josef Mrázek (aka fakir Rádži Tamil) - Boleslav Polívka as Plíha
- Ondřej VetchýOndrej VetchýOndřej Vetchý is a Czech actor. He was born in Jihlava, Czechoslovakia.He is currently employed at The Drama Club in Prague.- Notable performances :* 2005 – Katurian in The Pillowman, DC...
as tram driver - Irena Pavlásková as tram driver's wife
- Daniela KolářováDaniela Kolárová- Film :* Kawasaki's Rose * Vratné lahve … Eliška* Tmavomodrý svět … Haniččina matka* Oběti a vrazi … matka* Cesta z města … matka Markéty* V erbu lvice … Anežka...
as teacher Maxová
Production
The original story was written by Zdeněk SvěrákZdenek Sverák
Zdeněk Svěrák is a Czech actor, humorist and scriptwriter. He is one of the most popular Czech cultural personalities. In 1989, he was a member of the jury at the 39th Berlin International Film Festival....
. He used his own experiences both as a pupil of a similar school and as a former teacher. This is the first of the films created by the successful father screenwriter - son director duo. The others include Akumulátor I. (1993), Kolja (1996), Tmavomodrý svět (2000) and Vratné lahve (2007). It was also the first non-documentary film by Jan Svěrák
Jan Sverák
Jan Svěrák is a Czech film director. He is the son of screenwriter and actor Zdeněk Svěrák. He studied documentary filmmaking at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague...
. Obecná škola is also notable because it includes one of the last roles for two prominent Czech actors Rudolf Hrušínský
Rudolf Hrušínský
Rudolf Hrušínský was an acclaimed Czech actor.-Biography:He was born in Nová Včelnice to Hermina Červičková and Rudolf Hrušinský . He was born, literally, back stage during a showing of the play Taneček panny Marinky...
(his last big screen film) and Petr Čepek
Petr Cepek
Petr Čepek was a Czech actor associated with The Drama Club in Prague. His final film was Faust, directed by Czech surrealist Jan Švankmajer.- Filmography :* 1961: Dva z onoho světa...
(appeared in two more films before his death). The film was also the first appearance of Jan Tříska
Jan Tríska
Jan Triska or Jan Tříska is a Czech-American actor.-Early life and career:He was born in Prague. Before his emigration he performed in the theater and had many roles in movies, the movie version of Radúz a Mahulena and in the communist propaganda piece 30 Cases of Major Zeman...
in a Czech film since his emigration to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in 1977.
Personnel
- Jan SvěrákJan SverákJan Svěrák is a Czech film director. He is the son of screenwriter and actor Zdeněk Svěrák. He studied documentary filmmaking at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague...
- director - Zdeněk SvěrákZdenek SverákZdeněk Svěrák is a Czech actor, humorist and scriptwriter. He is one of the most popular Czech cultural personalities. In 1989, he was a member of the jury at the 39th Berlin International Film Festival....
- story, screenplay - Jiří SvobodaJirí SvobodaJiří Svoboda is a Czech former volleyball player who competed for Czechoslovakia in the 1968 Summer Olympics.He was born in Zubří....
- music - Frantiček A. Brabec - director of photography
- Jiří Kříž - sound