Champions (2004)
Ice hockey is a Czech national obsession, and the country's victory over Russia in the 1969 World Championships, the year following the Soviet invasion, is a celebrated moment in its history. In Marek Najbrt's black comedy, the heroic exploits take place only on a black and white tv screen as a group of representative misfits gather and watch the game in a desolate village on the Czech border. While consisting of recognisable types, Najbrt's bleak portrait reveals a world of alcoholism, debt, racism, bigotry, and infidelity that trails behind the dreams of nationalism and bears little resemblance to the fantasies of the new consumerism. A clever and multi-levelled film, it provides a sharp antidote to the reconciliatory charms of the conventional Czech comedy.
Cast
Screenplay
- Marek Najbrt (Screenplay)
- Benjamin Tuček (Screenplay)
- Robert Geisler (Screenplay)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Champions about?
- Ice hockey is a Czech national obsession, and the country's victory over Russia in the 1969 World Championships, the year following the Soviet invasion, is a celebrated moment in its history. In Marek Najbrt's black comedy, the heroic exploits take place only on a black and white tv screen as a group of representative misfits gather and watch the game in a desolate village on the Czech border. While consisting of recognisable types, Najbrt's bleak portrait reveals a world of alcoholism, debt, racism, bigotry, and infidelity that trails behind the dreams of nationalism and bears little resemblance to the fantasies of the new consumerism. A clever and multi-levelled film, it provides a sharp antidote to the reconciliatory charms of the conventional Czech comedy.
- Who directed Champions?
- Champions was directed by Marek Najbrt.
- Who stars in Champions?
- Champions stars Jan Budař, Klára Melíšková, Will Spoor, Jiří Ornest.
- How long is Champions?
- Champions has a runtime of 1h 23m (83 minutes).
- What genre is Champions?
- Champions is a Drama film.
- Where was Champions produced?
- Champions was produced in Czech Republic.