Closely Watched Trains
dir. Jiří Menzel · 1966
Feature
Coming of Age
Mood
Romantic / Comedic
Look
warm, nostalgic cinematography with a focus on everyday life
Structure
episodic with a focus on character vignettes
Plot
At a village railway station in occupied Czechoslovakia, a bumbling dispatcher’s apprentice longs to liberate himself from his virginity. Oblivious to the war and the resistance that surrounds him, this young man embarks on a journey of sexual awakening and self-discovery, encountering a universe of frustration, eroticism, and adventure within his sleepy backwater depot.
Why watch
"Closely Watched Trains" is a charming exploration of youthful desire and self-discovery set against the backdrop of war, where humor and romance intertwine in the most unexpected ways. This film captures the bittersweet essence of coming-of-age, making it a delightful watch for those who appreciate the absurdities of life.
Cultural context
Czech New Wave cinemapost-war societal shiftsyouthful rebellion against authoritythe absurdity of life during conflict