《夏日狂想曲》改編自幽默風趣的捷克小說,以優美的彩色攝製,氣氛跟導演首作迥異。內容講三個中年朋友,神父、將軍和泳池管理員,在和睦暢快的氣氛中一起喝酒月旦世事。三人關係刻劃入微,影片有種令人想入非非的奇異魅力。
- Alistair Whyte, New Cinema in East Europe
Dura, Roch and Hugo are at the heart of this comedy, released the same year as the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Soviet and Warsaw Pact troops. The three middle aged friends who spend the bulk of their time lounging around the local swimming hole are shaken out of their apathy when Arnostek (played by director Menzel, also an actor) and his companion Anna breeze into town. Though they bring a little sexual misadventure with them, Dura, Roch and Hugo find the resulting spontaneity and erotic dalliances bring them nothing more than disappointment and melancholy. This wistful slice of life sees Dura, Roch and Hugo slip from capriciousness back into longing frustration as quickly as summer retreats to autumn.
Crystal globe at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Capricious Summer is beautifully shot in colour. The plot concerns three middle-aged friends, a priest, a major and a bathing-pool attendant, who meet, drink and argue in a lively but friendly way. The relationships between the three men are delicately portrayed, and the film has great whimsical charm.
- Alistair Whyte, New Cinema in East Europe