Kolya [Paperback]

Zdenek Sverak (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1997

Kolya, here beautifully translated by Ewald Osers, is the novelization of the Czech film of the same name, which won both the 1997 Oscar and Golden Globe awards for Best Foreign Language Film. Set in Prague in 1988—just before the Velvet Revolution—it tells the story of Louka, a virtuoso performer with the Czech Philharmonic, who has been banned from playing by the state. Now he finds himself playing at cemeteries for a living. Adding to his problems, an illegal arranged marriage has left the hardened bachelor with a little Russian boy to care for. From these elements, Zdenek Sverak—who also played Louka in the film—has woven an enduring tale of the transforming powers of music, language, and love.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing; First Printing edition (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0747258945
• ISBN-13: 978-0747258940
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,903,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much watched, much loved, January 24, 2004

By 

dances_with_dragonflies (WY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kolya [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I originally saw this film in a local theater during an International Film Festival, and not long later a co-worker, having heard me rave about it a few times, bought me the video for Christmas. I have watched my Kolya video about once a year since, and I never tire of it. It is just wonderful. I don't find subtitles distracting if they're done well, which they are here (brief sentences, no white text against a backdrop of white walls or tablecloths!) Having always wanted to visit Prague, about which I've heard only wonderful things, I love the film's setting. I think the acting is wonderful, the music beautiful, and the plot charming. You also learn (or are reminded of) some relatively recent and interesting Czech history as an added benefit. There are many clever, poignant and witty cinematic moments in this film (watching it more than once helps you catch them all). And I am utterly smitten by Louka's captivating, romantic tower apartment!! I want one! :-)

This film charms me in such a quiet, touching, unassuming way every time I watch it. I'm glad it's part of my collection.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars KOYLA: Winner of the1997 Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, August 1, 2006

By 

Lynne P. Caldwell (Dadeville, AL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kolya (DVD)

And, I might add, this magnificent Czech film deserved to win these coveted awards.

I have recently been fortunate to have had the opportunity to see some brilliant Foreign Language Films and KOYLA is one of the best. When it was over, I just sat there not wanting to leave this beautiful little boy and the man who opened his heart to this child. So, I watched the extras and it made me love this movie even more after seeing the commentary. Zdenek Sverak, the handsome lead character in Koyla also wrote the story. It took him over a year because he put so much into it. Sometimes he would have to put it away for a couple of months because it was too heart wrenching. In my estimation, Sverak is a genius--what a compelling, beautiful and evocative story. And, his screen presence was amazing. A true family affair, Sverak's son, Jan, is the director.

After a search spanning several countries, an unknown child, five-year-old Andrej Chalimon was found in Moscow. This little boy is so gifted and so natural, he took my breath away and melted my heart. The fetching Libuse Safrankova stars as Klara, the singer with the operatic voice who also ends up stealing Louka's (Sverak) heart.

The story takes place in 1988 when Russia and communism is still destroying the country but is beginning to fade. Louka, a gifted musician (viola) has been fired from the famed Czechoslovakian Philharmonic Orchestra for merely giving a sarcastic response to a Russian interrogator. With his small income from playing at funerals/crematoriums and refurbishing grave headstones, The 55 year-old Louka falls deeper and deeper into debt. He must support himself and his mother who lives in another town and who has a flat that is quite expensive to keep up. His best friend talks him into marrying a young woman from Russia (who needs a Czech citizenship) for a large sum of money. Eventually this confirmed bachelor apprehensively agrees although ends up regretting it when she immediately absconds to West Germany to be with her lover. Alas, she leaves behind the most adorable child I have ever seen on film. The story does have some twists and turns and all but the hardest of hearts will shed a tear.

I loved this movie very, very much. It is a heart-warming, moving, and captivating tale that I will never forget. I plan to buy this film so I can share it with my friends and family. Oh--and I almost forgot to mention the music. Wow, it was fabulous and it enhanced an awesome picture.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and moving, June 30, 2002

By 

Klarenka - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kolya [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is not a movie; it is a film, almost a work of art. Zdenak Sverak does a wonderful job as the slightly curmudgeonly cellist, and Andrej Chalimon is perfect as the young Kolya of the title. The film slowly yet marvelously follows the development of the relationship between the two characters. The music that follows the scenes is wonderfully written, I highly recommend that fans of the movie buy the soundtrack as well. This is my favorite film of all time, American- or foreign-made, and one that nobody should miss.