Product Details

• Actors: Zdenek Sverák, Andrei Chalimon, Libuse Safránková, Ondrej Vetchý, Stella Zázvorková
• Directors: Jan Sverák
• Writers: Zdenek Sverák, Pavel Taussig
• Producers: Jan Sverák, Eric Abraham, Ernst Goldschmidt, Jan Jíra, Jirí Jezek
• Format: Color, Subtitled, NTSC
• Language: Czech, Russian, Slovak
• Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Walt Disney Video
• VHS Release Date: August 25, 1998
• Run Time: 105 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304554168
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,764 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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  #6 in	Video > Art House & International > By Original Language > Czech
  #10 in	Video > Art House & International > European Cinema > Russia
  #11 in	Video > Art House & International > By Original Language > Russian

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Winner of the 1997 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, this charming Czech drama uses the backdrop of the Russian military occupation in Prague for its funny, sad, and ultimately delightful story of a 55-year-old man's friendship with a 5-year-old boy. It doesn't exactly start out as friendship: Louka is a cellist who lost his symphony job after writing a sarcastic remark on an official form, and although he's struggling financially he still enjoys the company of several young women who find him irresistibly sexy. The last thing he needs is a surrogate child, but that's what he gets when young Kolya is abandoned by his mother, a Russian woman Louka had agreed to marry so she could avoid being sent back to Russia. The mother runs off to her boyfriend in Germany, leaving Louka with a 5-year-old kid who only speaks Russian! As directed by Jan Sverák (whose father, Zdenek Sverák, plays Louka), this predicament offers a lovingly detailed account of how Louka and Kolya discover each other, and how their mutual awkwardness evolves into a heartwarming father-son relationship. While the Russian presence creates an atmosphere of suspicion and restriction, the deepening connection between Louka and Kolya turns this into an unforgettable film, beautifully photographed, sensitively performed, and directed with just the right combination of subtle sentiment and harsh reality. Its Oscar was definitely well deserved. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description

Winner of the Academy Award(R) and Golden Globe as Best Foreign Language Film, this irresistible comedy treat was embraced by critics and audiences everywhere! A confirmed bachelor is in for the surprise of his life when a get-rich-quick scheme backfires ... setting off a wild set of circumstances -- and leaving him with a pint-sized new roommate! Now, with a mischievous five-year-old named Kolya suddenly in his care ... life in this once carefree playboy's tiny apartment changes faster than he could ever imagine! Uplifting and endlessly funny, KOLYA is delightful motion picture entertainment you'll want to take home!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 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

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.

8 of 8 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 (REAL NAME)

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.

11 of 12 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 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.