Radka
28Mar11
It´s not Soviet.
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Telly Pavlogianis
8Jun11
The scene in which the retiring Fire Chief begins to walk towards the stage, off cue, orchestra in full swing, as opposed to the young girls chosen to partake in the "beauty contest," is one of the funniest moments I've ever come across in a film. Subtle, funny, optimistically pessimistic. What a great film!
Joel
1Apr11
I bought this film, and thought it was decent but not a keeper, I've been regretting it ever since. I love when humour is used so naively, in a way that doesn't betray the dignity of the people portrayed, in this aspect it brought such a joy to the people involved. At the same time the lighter moments brought such a sadness to the more melancholic moments. A great, and simple piece of cinematic bliss.
X27
28Jan11
I think this is the most funny and at the same time the most sad movie Forman ever made. So far I have never seen a better lecture on socialism. Considered that this satire actually was made in the year 1967 in former Czechoslovakia I can only bow in awe about the braveness of the director and the whole cast. Highly recommended!
Manuel Molina likes this
Daniel S.
24Nov10
If you fully want to enjoy Milos Forman's THE FIREMEN'S BALL, you have to mentally come back to the year 1967. Czechoslovakia belongs to the eastern Europe countries controlled by the U.S.S.R., each Czech film must be presented to the official censors and authorities don't accept criticism. If you keep that in mind, you'll admit that Forman and Passer were tremendously courageous to shoot this film which is also extremely funnymost of the time. Highly recommended.
Pierluigi Puccini
20Oct10
Hilarious. Reminded me of the farcical tone and incompetence of the Keystone cops and sense of anarchy of the Marx brothers. Superb political satire.
Magnus Alexander Nikolaisen
30Jul10
Charming! Pretty variable, but with some truly enjoyable scenes. I like the subtle political satire/criticism from these czech films from the sixties. Though, I've only seen the amazing Daisies in addition to this one, but they are pretty similar in these political undertones.
John Smith
22Nov09
A excellent vodka soaked comedy, and that depressing authoritative undertone of the entire thing. Milos Foreman became what he is today because of this and it shows.
Law
3Nov09
The Firemen’s Ball is a harsh and effective satire on the political state of Czechoslovakia duing the 1960s. Hilarious at most moments and in possession of an arsenal of symbols, this is simply a fantastic allegory, the kind I wish I were able to write. The script should be archived and taught along Animal Farm.
Phil Worfel
4May09
Really didn't care for it. I'm sure it has a lot to do with seeing it without the historical context but at no point was I engaged with the story or the craft.
Christopher Smith
27Mar09
Early film from director Milos Forman is an amiable and eccentric comedy of errors, though light on any real big laughs. Most of the fun comes from the very authentic comic performances and buoyant atmosphere, but even at 73 minutes, it goes on too long. Entertaining, but Forman would go on to make much better films.
Mladen Stilinovic
11Dec08
What follows is a perfect spoiler... beware. The ball ended some 40 years ago, but what is left beside the rampaged city hall and an empty gift box, is a feeling that our world is moving to a state of mass hysteria... So, those who took their time and stole something, seem to be the lucky ones...