In the time of Counter-Reformation, a miller and his son come under investigation by a priest of the Inquisition, when rumors spread that their prosperity comes from working with the Devil.
The Devil's Trap is a film directed by František Vlá?il, based on a novel by Alfréd Technik, adapted by František A. Dvorák and Miloš Kratochvíl. It was the first of three historical dramas that Vlá?il made during the Czech New Wave (technically he isn't really a part of the New Wave, however these films were made during the same era of artistic freedom), preceding his more well known Marketa Lazarová (1967) and Valley of the Bees (1968).
Set in the late 16th Century during the Catholic Reformation, in the Moravian Karst, situated in what is now the Eastern Czech Republic, it tells the tale of a miller (Vítezslav Vejrazka), and his son Jan (Vít Olmer), who come under suspicion and are investigated by a Jesuit priest of the Inquisition (Miroslav Macháchek), when rumors of witchcraft are spread by the local regent (Cestmír Randa), who is jealous of the miller's prosperity and degree of respect among the local populace.
As expected from Vlá?il, this film is a stunning experience all the way through. From the opening shot, an ominous manipulation of perspective with a close up of a mangled figure of Christ dominating the foreground against a tiny figure in black walking along the horizon, to the breathtaking confrontational finale inside the vast stalactite filled Karst caverns, it is a wonderful display of visual mastery.
Maybe not quite as impressive as Marketa Lazarová, but still full of astonishing imagery. As seen from unique angles and distinct points of view which highlight the director's remarkable sense of awareness of framing, motion, and positioning on the emotional and dramatic tone of the scene. The most memorable being a repeated shot where the camera is suspended and launched with speed through the air towards the miller's door.
The story here is a simple one and I would say more accessible than his later works. With a conventional structure emphasized as much by its plot and characters, than by its expressionistic cinematography or authentic historical detail. The events play out without much surprise, and there is a strong underlying, almost supernatural, mysterious aspect that is left unresolved, in fact barely explored, which is slightly disappointing, but only because it's so fascinating that I wish there was more.
Acting is great all around. Particularly the villains: Miroslav Macháchek as the priest, casting a sinister and imposing shadow wherever he goes, and Cestmír Randa as the weasel like regent behind all the persecution. While Vít Olmer brings a charismatic leading man presence in his role as the miller's son Jan, in love with the lovely orphan girl Martina (Karla Chadimová), who becomes a dangerous object of rivalry between Jan and other young men of the village.
The film also features the evocative music of Zden?k Liška (perhaps the most prolific composer of the Czech New Wave). In this his second of eleven collaborations with Vlá?il, his compositions are used sparingly, but to great effect, complimenting but never overpowering a scene. The best example of which can be heard in an amazingly shot celebration and dance sequence at the end of the second act.
The Devil's Trap might not be a masterpiece, but it is still a strong effort, with a fascinating straightforward story and a glorious historical setting captured beautifully by Vlá?il's unmistakable visual prowess. A fine work that would also be the perfect starter plate to prepare yourself for the challenging feast of Marketa Lazarová or The Valley of the Bees. It even has an easy to digest running time. It's therefore puzzling why this gem remains largely overlooked and ignored.
忠犬_百度百科
男一号演技，亟待提高啊，不能只有一身腱子肉。
伤残老兵露露狗，驾车千里送战友。路途漫长现真情，此生携手一起走。
老兵救赎，一人一狗，太老套的公路片。演技不够身材来撑，看了约等于没看，打发时间。只觉得美国真的挺大。
虽然绝大部分过程都太吵太闹，结尾葬礼上露露趴在主人的靴子上那一段实在让人泪奔。
氛围烘托的很好，全靠女主演技支撑着！结局虽然能猜到，但枪响之后还是挺过瘾的。
蛮牛仔风格的人狗交往过程，跟日本的人狗交往电影不一样。
-0- 能把军犬给走趴下。。这是走了多远啊
给狗乱喂零食这点不太好吧，还有把狗单独放车里…
自我赎罪。翻拍同样不错，老吉实力演出。★★★☆/7.5
-0- 能把军犬给走趴下。。这是走了多远啊
前面太过平淡了，关怀老兵心理的同时，也要关注军犬的心理。
剧情毫无逻辑可言 但是配乐挺精品 三分给狗子的演技
老兵救赎，一人一狗，太老套的公路片。演技不够身材来撑，看了约等于没看，打发时间。只觉得美国真的挺大。
理性评论：一条狗和老兵的自我救赎，故事老套没啥意思。非理性评论：养狗人看不了这种，特别是和小狗分开的时候，眼泪哗哗哗的。多加一颗星给小狗QAQ
3.5。剧情简单，但是人与狗之间的永恒感情不会停下感动的步伐
剧情稀烂，人和狗都还不错。居然在影片里吐槽《实习医生格蕾》，看来这剧实火，也够抓马。
PTSD退伍兵+PTSD退伍犬惺惺相惜。PS：钱老板的肉体不得了。
杰克演技真的不错，收放自如。配角(配音)也都是大腕啊。
老套的ptsd老兵和退役受伤ptsd军犬的老套温馨互相救赎故事，，，
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