Kopytem sem, kopytem tam (1988)

"A Hoof Here, a Hoof There" (1988) by the outstanding Věra Chytilová is not just a comedy, but a biting and provocative study of youth at the turn of an era. This film, formally belonging to the genre, quickly transforms into something significantly deeper and more unsettling, questioning the frivolity and carefree nature of an entire generation. Chytilová, known for her uncompromising style, once again demonstrates how easily outward glitter can conceal an impending catastrophe.

Plot

The story plunges us into the world of a group of young people completely engrossed in hedonism and endless entertainment. Their circle includes frivolous girlfriends, changing partners, and constantly emerging minor dramas within a complex love polygon. These intrigues, at first glance, seem more amusing than serious, typical of carefree youth who don't want to think about tomorrow. However, this idyll abruptly ends. The comedy instantly turns into tragedy when one of the characters learns about being infected with AIDS. This terrible news casts a shadow not only on his own future but also on the lives of everyone who was part of their liberated circle, forcing each to confront existential questions about the consequences of their actions and the fragility of existence.

Why It's Worth Watching

• Unexpected Genre Twist: The film begins as a carefree comedy but masterfully and without warning transitions into a deep, dramatic story, which keeps the viewer in suspense and makes them reflect on serious consequences.
• Relevant Issues of the 80s: The film addresses the topic of the AIDS epidemic, which in the 1980s was new, frightening, and often taboo, making it an important historical document and warning.
• Exploration of Youth and Responsibility: The film deeply explores the theme of reckless youth, its pursuit of pleasures, and a sudden encounter with reality where every action has its price.
• Direction by Věra Chytilová: One of the most prominent representatives of the Czechoslovak New Wave, Chytilová is known for her experimental approach and uncompromising style, promising an extraordinary take on the stated themes.
• Strong Ensemble Cast: Actors, including Tomáš Hanák, Ivana Kuntová, and Jiří Bartoška, embody complex characters, demonstrating a convincing transition from carefree joy to despair.

Themes

"A Hoof Here, a Hoof There" masterfully juggles the themes of hedonism and its destructive consequences, responsibility for one's actions, and the fragility of human life. The film explores the moral relativism of youth, where the boundaries of what is permissible are blurred, and only tragedy can bring them back to the rigid confines of reality. It is also a deep dive into the themes of fear, uncertainty, and collective guilt in an era when a new, invisible threat loomed over society. The contrast between the outward glitter of parties and inner emptiness, and then horror, creates powerful dramatic tension, forcing a new perspective on the concept of "frivolity."

Editorial Opinion

"A Hoof Here, a Hoof There" is much more than just a film. It's a biting warning wrapped in the deceptively light shell of a comedy. Věra Chytilová isn't afraid to be uncomfortable, offering the viewer not just entertainment, but a deep and sometimes painful analysis of society at a crossroads. This is cinema that, despite its release year, remains terrifyingly relevant today, reminding us of the importance of conscious choice and the unpredictability of fate. For those who appreciate cinema capable of evoking not only laughter but also serious reflection, this film is a must-see.