Episode 130 - Marketa Lazarová *Criterion Critique*

Harsh times in this medieval epic from Czechoslovakia.  Set against the backdrop of Christianity succeeding Paganism in the Middle Ages, 'Marketa Lazarová' is a tapestry of different characters fighting to survive in an unforgiving winter landscape.  There are the brothers who abduct a German traveler, thereby setting off a war between the king and his heathen peasants.  At the center of it all is Marketa, a beautiful girl about to enter the convent, whose fate is changed forever.  If this all sounds epic, it pretty much is, but Andrew lamented that it was hard to tell who was who.  Fair criticism, and since this was Phil's second viewing, it was easier to follow and a much more enjoyable experience. The photography alone is incredible.  A serious recommendation for cinephiles everywhere, from 'In the Queue'. You can download the podcast here by right-clicking on the hypertext link and choosing "save as", or you can use the convenient player attached to this post.