Jan Hus

Biopic on Czechoslovakia's great historical figure and precursor of the Reformation. Somewhat academic in style and not particularly original, but well enacted, with some brilliant performances. An absorbing and historically honest denouncement of the abuses committed by the Roman Catholic Church in the 15th century, which occasioned the Reformation one century later. However, since the Czechs were under communist domination when the film was made, it overemphasizes political and economical over purely religious matters; the oppression of poor people by the rich clergy and nobility becomes the central issue. The Czech studios were no Hollywood, but, by their standards, this appears to have been a lavish production, and it is quite effective as a historical drama.