MOVIE REVIEW

Lessons in love, friendship and forgiveness unfold in the Czech countryside.

By Kevin Thomas

Czech writer-director Bohdan Sláma's "The Country Teacher" explores a basic situation with such insight into the human heart that it becomes an instance of a small, intimate film that quietly develops an emotional impact of unexpected power.

Like the proverbial pebble tossed into a still pond, Peter (Pavel Liska), a young, unassuming teacher of natural sciences, leaves Prague to teach at a rural school. He above all craves a change of scenery after breaking up with his lover (Marek Daniel), who on his brief unannounced visit to Peter reveals himself to be a hopelessly crude boor.

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Peter forms a bond with a hearty yet vulnerable farm woman, Maria (Zuzana Bydzovská). They are natural soul mates and when the closeted Peter does not respond to a pass, she philosophically chalks it up to her being older than he.

A single mother, Maria persuades Peter to tutor her troubled 17-year-old son, Lada (Ladislav Sedivy). That something will happen to upset Peter's new life is not so surprising, but its aftermath is altogether stunning because of Sláma's uncommon faith in people's willingness to understand, accept and forgive.

The key story is Peter's, but the film's pivotal figure is Maria, and Bydzovská's naturalness, her comprehension and her choices reveal her to be an actress of remarkable range, depth and individuality. She is a striking presence with her angular features and mane of red hair; appropriately, Liska underplays to her.

"The Country Teacher" is but Sláma's third feature, yet it's clear that he's a major talent.

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