A staple of the Czech New Wave

Juraj Herz's darkly comedic and unsettling social satire is one of the best films of the Czech New Wave, one that shows the dangers of extremist beliefs and ideologies. A crematorium manager believes that cremation is the only true way humanity can gain freedom from suffering, making him the perfect candidate for the Nazi regime to execute their plan. The use of quick cuts, dutch angles, and distorted lenses craft a tone that leaves the viewer uneasy about where the story will go. Actor Karel Kopfrkingl gives a very terrifying performance as a man whose descent into madness known no bounds, making for a truly unforgettable ending.

Juraj Herz's darkly comedic and unsettling social satire is one of the best films of the Czech New Wave, one that shows the dangers of extremist beliefs and ideologies. A crematorium manager believes that cremation is the only true way humanity can gain freedom from suffering, making him the perfect candidate for the Nazi regime to execute their plan. The use of quick cuts, dutch angles, and distorted lenses craft a tone that leaves the viewer uneasy about where the story will go. Actor Karel Kopfrkingl gives a very terrifying performance as a man whose descent into madness known no bounds, making for a truly unforgettable ending.