the best movie of czech genius jiri menzel ( after the oscar win ostre sledované vlaky of course ) . too bad that bohumil hrabal and the writer of menzel best movie be practically unknown for the western audience and they apparently ignore these gem from behind the former iron curtain . menzel be one of those great czech new wave director ( along milo forman and who manage to get into the spotlight by move to the usa ) who establish this very special czech style of movie make represent sensitive while humorous and joyful while tragic and with very intimate and think provoke story . i just love the style of menzel who can put this unreal and incredibly funny character of uncle pepin to the screen so well that it actually work well than in the novel of hrabal . don not miss it .