Darbujan and Pandrhola 1960
Set against the fog-laced valleys of 19th-century Bohemia, *Darbujan and Pandrhola (1960)* directed by the masterful Martin Frič offers a whimsical yet poignant take on the classic folk-tale trope of outsmarting Death.
Director: Martin Frič
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Darbujan and Pandrhola (1960) about?
The film follows Kuba Dařbuján, a poor miner who enters a dangerous pact with Death—here disguised as Pandrhola—in exchange for the power to heal the sick. But when Kuba uses his newfound gift to cure even the miserly local brewer, he traps Death in the mortal realm, unleashing a world where life never ends and all-too-human chaos ensues.
Who directed Darbujan and Pandrhola?
The legendary Czech director Martin Frič, known for his witty social comedies and rich storytelling, helmed this enchanting fantasy-drama.
Who stars in Darbujan and Pandrhola?
Jiří Sovák leads the cast as Kuba Dařbuján, with Rudolf Hrušínský as the cunning brewer, Květa Fialová as Markýtka, and Běla Jurdová as Pandrhola.
Is Darbujan and Pandrhola (1960) worth watching?
If you enjoy classic European fantasy with heart and humor, *Darbujan and Pandrhola* is absolutely worth your time. Its blend of folk wisdom, gentle satire, and timeless themes makes it a delightful watch for fans of family-friendly yet thought-provoking cinema.
How long is Darbujan and Pandrhola?
The film runs 80 minutes.
About Darbujan and Pandrhola (1960) — A Bohemian Fairy Tale Where Death Loses His Grip
Set against the fog-laced valleys of 19th-century Bohemia, *Darbujan and Pandrhola (1960)* directed by the masterful Martin Frič offers a whimsical yet poignant take on the classic folk-tale trope of outsmarting Death. Jiří Sovák stars as Kuba Dařbuján, a struggling miner whose tiny cottage overflows with love, laughter, and a brood of eleven children-plus-one newborn. When Kuba strikes a perilous bargain with the mysterious Pandrhola—Death in disguise—he gains the power to cure the sick, but only on the grim condition that the patient's fate remains in balance. As Death lingers at the foot of the bed, healing is possible; when Death shifts to the headboard, the spell is broken and no cure will ever come again.
Frič's film blends gentle fantasy with sharp social satire, weaving a tale of compassion, consequence, and cosmic chaos. With Rudolf Hrušínský's cunning brewer adding a dash of dark humor and Květa Fialová radiating quiet warmth as Markýtka, the Dařbuján household becomes an unlikely battleground where humanity's fragility collides with supernatural hubris. The result is a 80-minute gem that lingers like morning mist—both enchanting and haunting, a reminder that even the cleverest pacts carry unseen costs.