A Hoof Here, a Hoof There 1989
Věra Chytilová's bold 1989 tragicomedy *A Hoof Here, a Hoof There* delivers a razor-sharp portrait of three carefree friends whose lives revolve around laughter, casual relationships, and endless rounds at the bar.
Director: Věra Chytilová
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Hoof Here, a Hoof There (1989) about?
The film follows three financially secure friends whose bond is built on humor, casual romance, and heavy drinking—until a sudden medical emergency forces them to confront the limits of their carefree lifestyle. Their world of effortless charm and no-strings attachments unravels when one of them lands in the hospital, revealing the cracks beneath the surface.
Who directed A Hoof Here, a Hoof There?
The film was directed by Věra Chytilová, a pioneering Czech New Wave filmmaker known for her experimental and socially critical works like *Daisies*.
Who stars in A Hoof Here, a Hoof There?
The ensemble cast features Tomáš Hanák as Pepe, Milan Šteindler as Dědek, David Vávra as František, alongside Ivana Kuntová and Tereza Kučerová as their girlfriends.
Is A Hoof Here, a Hoof There (1989) worth watching?
Chytilová's tragicomedy offers a provocative mix of dark humor and biting realism that rewards patient viewers. Fans of character-driven dramas with a twist of satire will appreciate its uncompromising take on friendship and consequences. While not widely accessible, it stands as a bold artifact of Czech cinema worth seeking out.
How long is A Hoof Here, a Hoof There?
The film runs 129 minutes, offering a rich, immersive experience for audiences ready to dive into its world.
About A Hoof Here, a Hoof There (1989) — A Czech tragicomedy of friendship, recklessness, and life's sharp twists
Věra Chytilová's bold 1989 tragicomedy *A Hoof Here, a Hoof There* delivers a razor-sharp portrait of three carefree friends whose lives revolve around laughter, casual relationships, and endless rounds at the bar. Auditor Pepe, vet Dědek, and restaurant manager František navigate the intoxicating highs of their boisterous existence with their equally spirited girlfriends, until a sudden health crisis shatters their illusion of invincibility. Chytilová blends biting satire with moments of warmth, exploring themes of mortality, irresponsibility, and the fragility beneath carefree facades. Shot through with dark humor and unflinching realism, the film captures the euphoria of youthful defiance—and its inevitable collision with reality.
With a runtime stretching nearly two and a half hours, the movie immerses viewers in a world where freedom and consequence collide, all set to the clinking of glasses and the crackle of reckless energy.