DIRECTOR: Jiri Madl
STARRING: Vojtech Vodochodsky, Tatiana Pauhofova, Stanislav Majer
RUNNING TIME: 2 hrs 11 minutes
LANGUAGE: Czech, Russian, French, English
The film is the story of two brothers whose cinematic fate intersects with real events surrounding a group of correspondents of the international editorial office of Czechoslovak Radio in the period 1967-1968. The prototypes for the film characters were real members of the then Editorial Board of International Life, headed by Milan Weiner.
***
Waves is the third feature film for actor/director Jiri Madl. Mádl's previous films were To See the Sea and On the Roof, both of which garnered Czech Lion nominations. As an actor, Madl won the Czech Lion award for his role in the film Droneman in 2020. The film is based on a true story set during The Prague Spring. It centres around a group of journalists who are determined to keep independent news running during the Soviet invasion. Vojtech Vodochodský leads the cast alongside Táňa Pauhofová, Stanislav Majer, Ondřej Stupka, Martin Hofmann, Petr Lněnička, Marika Šoposká, Tomáš Maštalír, Igor Bareš, and Vojtěch Kotek. The historical thriller won the audience award at Karlovy Vary, where it had its world premiere.
Waves was chosen by the Czech Film and Television Academy (CFTA) over twelve other submitted films. "Radio was an influential medium, listened to by everyone," Mádl said. "Although the power of surveillance was pervasive, a group of people showed the courage to confront and stand up to the army during one of the most iconic moments in our modern history."
It is produced by Dawson Films and co-produced by Wandal Productions.
Waves is a drama and it was filmed in Prague, Czechia.
To check out all previous submissions for Czechia, click HERE.
STARRING: Vojtech Vodochodsky, Tatiana Pauhofova, Stanislav Majer
RUNNING TIME: 2 hrs 11 minutes
LANGUAGE: Czech, Russian, French, English
The film is the story of two brothers whose cinematic fate intersects with real events surrounding a group of correspondents of the international editorial office of Czechoslovak Radio in the period 1967-1968. The prototypes for the film characters were real members of the then Editorial Board of International Life, headed by Milan Weiner.
***
Waves is the third feature film for actor/director Jiri Madl. Mádl's previous films were To See the Sea and On the Roof, both of which garnered Czech Lion nominations. As an actor, Madl won the Czech Lion award for his role in the film Droneman in 2020. The film is based on a true story set during The Prague Spring. It centres around a group of journalists who are determined to keep independent news running during the Soviet invasion. Vojtech Vodochodský leads the cast alongside Táňa Pauhofová, Stanislav Majer, Ondřej Stupka, Martin Hofmann, Petr Lněnička, Marika Šoposká, Tomáš Maštalír, Igor Bareš, and Vojtěch Kotek. The historical thriller won the audience award at Karlovy Vary, where it had its world premiere.
Waves was chosen by the Czech Film and Television Academy (CFTA) over twelve other submitted films. "Radio was an influential medium, listened to by everyone," Mádl said. "Although the power of surveillance was pervasive, a group of people showed the courage to confront and stand up to the army during one of the most iconic moments in our modern history."
It is produced by Dawson Films and co-produced by Wandal Productions.
Waves is a drama and it was filmed in Prague, Czechia.
To check out all previous submissions for Czechia, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“If you rely on a single source, you are not a journalist.”
Waves, Jiří Mádl’s latest directorial effort, is a powerful and emotionally compelling drama set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring, a turbulent period in Czechoslovakia’s history. The film brilliantly captures the era's tension, focusing on the personal struggles of two orphaned brothers, Tomáš and Pavel, as they navigate the political oppression of the time. Mádl’s skillful direction, coupled with a gripping script, makes Waves a standout piece in contemporary Czech cinema, blending personal and political stories with remarkable finesse.
The heart of Waves lies in its exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people under an oppressive regime. Tomáš, played with quiet intensity by Vojtěch Vodochodský, is thrust into a world of political intrigue when he inadvertently becomes involved with a group of brave journalists defying state censorship. The emotional core of the film is his relationship with his younger brother Pavel, played by Ondřej Stupka, whose idealism and youthful energy contrast with Tomáš’s burden of responsibility. This dynamic is beautifully portrayed, drawing the audience into their personal stakes amidst the larger struggle for freedom.
Mádl’s direction expertly balances the film’s intimate moments with the broader historical narrative. He masterfully intertwines the personal and political, making the characters’ emotional journeys feel as significant as the sweeping historical events they experience. The film’s pacing is particularly impressive, maintaining a sense of urgency throughout its 131-minute runtime. Each twist and turn in the story pulls viewers deeper into the brothers’ world, keeping them engaged while raising the stakes as the tension between personal loyalty and political duty escalates.
The production values of Waves are exceptional, with period-accurate details that transport viewers to the late 1960s. The film’s cinematography enhances its emotional weight, using striking visuals to underscore the grim reality of life under an oppressive regime. Moreover, the use of real-life figures like Milan Weiner and Jan Petránek adds a layer of authenticity, grounding the story in the true historical context.
Waves is an ambitious and deeply moving film that captures the courage of individuals who fought for truth and freedom during one of Czechoslovakia’s most pivotal periods. Jiří Mádl has crafted a story that resonates not only with Czech audiences but with anyone who values the importance of press freedom and the fight against oppression. With its compelling performances, strong direction, and timely themes, Waves stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tyranny.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“If you rely on a single source, you are not a journalist.”
Waves, Jiří Mádl’s latest directorial effort, is a powerful and emotionally compelling drama set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring, a turbulent period in Czechoslovakia’s history. The film brilliantly captures the era's tension, focusing on the personal struggles of two orphaned brothers, Tomáš and Pavel, as they navigate the political oppression of the time. Mádl’s skillful direction, coupled with a gripping script, makes Waves a standout piece in contemporary Czech cinema, blending personal and political stories with remarkable finesse.
The heart of Waves lies in its exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people under an oppressive regime. Tomáš, played with quiet intensity by Vojtěch Vodochodský, is thrust into a world of political intrigue when he inadvertently becomes involved with a group of brave journalists defying state censorship. The emotional core of the film is his relationship with his younger brother Pavel, played by Ondřej Stupka, whose idealism and youthful energy contrast with Tomáš’s burden of responsibility. This dynamic is beautifully portrayed, drawing the audience into their personal stakes amidst the larger struggle for freedom.
Mádl’s direction expertly balances the film’s intimate moments with the broader historical narrative. He masterfully intertwines the personal and political, making the characters’ emotional journeys feel as significant as the sweeping historical events they experience. The film’s pacing is particularly impressive, maintaining a sense of urgency throughout its 131-minute runtime. Each twist and turn in the story pulls viewers deeper into the brothers’ world, keeping them engaged while raising the stakes as the tension between personal loyalty and political duty escalates.
The production values of Waves are exceptional, with period-accurate details that transport viewers to the late 1960s. The film’s cinematography enhances its emotional weight, using striking visuals to underscore the grim reality of life under an oppressive regime. Moreover, the use of real-life figures like Milan Weiner and Jan Petránek adds a layer of authenticity, grounding the story in the true historical context.
Waves is an ambitious and deeply moving film that captures the courage of individuals who fought for truth and freedom during one of Czechoslovakia’s most pivotal periods. Jiří Mádl has crafted a story that resonates not only with Czech audiences but with anyone who values the importance of press freedom and the fight against oppression. With its compelling performances, strong direction, and timely themes, Waves stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tyranny.
