I apologise, we feel bad, but there's no trailer available. ~Ed.
From the opening scenes to the final touching frame, this movie is simply superb and exactly like a real life; Varying between sad and happy, with lessons to be learned delivered by example and precept. Jan Diti's ambition to become a millionaire in what is now called the food service industry comes true in a way that in fact demonstrates the folly of such a goal, and instead teaches him the honour and prestige that comes from simply performing a job with grace, skill and aplomb. On the way, there are encounters with brilliant maitre d'hotels, stylish brothels, the only legitimate Nazi claim to other country's area, fanatical eugenics, the hypocritical treatment of prostitutes and servants, the rise of Communism, rehabilitation of amputees, intergenerational love, the glory of fine dining and even naked Aryan goddesses. Throughout is the almost Chaplinesque 'little fellow in world of bullies' performance of Barnev as young Diti; Even when he does something questionable, you love the way he does it. A recommended film that at the last Festival was almost as loved as "Death At A Funeral"
A sumptuously told tale of childlike wonder in the face of darkest corruption and war, mixing high comedy, surreal sequences and genuine drama viewed from a wise, jaundiced perspective. Given time to finds its audience, which is anyone who likes the Coen brothers, "Served" could do well across all territories as its visual humor and topical significance give it mainstream grown-up appeal.
The whimsical humour has a charming and timeless appeal to it, and the wistful philosophy provides amusing diversion rather than real distraction. Served celebrates life’s pleasures, and the appreciation of food, women, money and Pilsner is realised gorgeously in a series of staggeringly opulent visual feasts (including a highly imaginative use of a Lazy Susie).
The film's strength - it's whimsy - is also its weakness, with Menzel often letting his guard drop and letting the novel run away with the screenplay. But it's diverting and it's unique.
An ambitious yet apolitical Czech everyman pursues his fortune as his country endures the turbulent middle decades of the last century in the beguiling, bigger-than-life black comedy "I Served the King of England." A virtual primer on the unique mixture of self-deprecating dark humor and personal tragedy that has been the Czech cinema's stock-in-trade since their celebrated 1960s New Wave.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 20th Mar 2008.
Release date: March 20th 2008.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
