Lenka Zbruz

Libuše Šafránková, an ingenious Czech actress, does not play the Russian bride who emigrates to West Germany (and disappears from the story until the end) as stated in the Google description of the movie, but rather Louka's endearing lover, Klára. Her performance is excellent, as is Zdenëk Svërák's. This is a phenomenal movie that will entertain viewers with its portrayal of deeply human characters, and it will also give foreign viewers an idea of what life in communist Czechoslovakia was like just before the revolution without boring them. The story is so funny and smart that you will be tricked into learning much more about history than you realized when you were settling in with your popcorn. With beautiful cinematography, a masterful script, and unforgettable acting, Kolya fully deserves the Oscar that it won.