The Firemen's Ball

[Damien]

What may have helped was the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in the Spring of 1968.

It's 20 years since I last saw the film and I have fond memories of it. I must get around to buying the Criterion DVD sometime in the near future.

Actually, the Soviet invasion was in August of 1968 (the term Prague Spring refers to the few months of openness and freedom the country enjoyed under Alexander Dubcek).

I do think that the political situation did help The Firemen's Ball get nominated. It is ironic, though, that it was defeated by a Russian picture, War and Peace.

[Precious Doll]

What may have helped was the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in the Spring of 1968.

It's 20 years since I last saw the film and I have fond memories of it. I must get around to buying the Criterion DVD sometime in the near future.

[Damien]

I've never seen it, so I can't weigh in on it, but it was very highly regarded at the time.

[Movielover]

Can someone explain why this film was nominated? I watched it today and it's really an acquired taste - I suppose I haven't acquired it.