Watch A Prominent Patient

A Prominent Patient is a historical drama film set in Czechoslovakia during the tumultuous years after World War II. The movie tells the story of Jan Masaryk, the son of the first president of Czechoslovakia, who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the government of his close friend, President Eduard Benes. The main character, played with great depth by Karel Roden, is a complex man struggling to come to terms with his country's occupation by Nazi Germany and, later, its takeover by the Soviet Union. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn about his colourful personal life, his charismatic personality and his ideology that values independence for Czechoslovakia. It is through these flashbacks that the film delivers an interesting portrait of a man whose ideals ultimately clash with the practical realities of his politics.

Jan Masaryk's personal life is complicated. The film explores his relationship with his father and the struggles they faced given the significant expectations placed upon them. Masaryk is especially haunted by the suicide of his father, convinced that he let his family and his country down. He is buoyed by a bittersweet love affair with Liza, played with subtlety by Adél Kováts, who served as his secretary at the Foreign Ministry, but they are separated by politics and his increasing burden of responsibility.

During the course of the film, Jan Masaryk's health deteriorates, and he becomes increasingly dependent on his doctors. Hanns Zischler and Oldrich Kaiser are particularly impressive in their roles as the doctors who attend to Masaryk's medical needs. Despite their best efforts, Masaryk's condition does not improve, and it is only later that something much more sinister is revealed. His peace of mind is disturbed when he is faced with the realization that his personal tragedy is only one part of a greater tragedy affecting his country.

A Prominent Patient is a meticulously crafted film with a stunning attention to detail. The production design, costumes and music all contribute to the atmosphere of a country wrestling with the physical and emotional aftermath of war. The lighting and cinematography are particularly noteworthy, with the use of black and white scenes adding an extra layer of depth and complexity to the film's storytelling.

Despite being a character-driven drama, the film also features some truly thrilling moments that keep the story moving along at a brisk pace. The tension builds as Masaryk struggles with the expectation of his allies, and the potential betrayal of their promises when it comes to Czechoslovakia. This portion of the story is particularly poignant given the current political situation today. Masaryk’s eventual fate is heartbreaking, but it is not entirely unexpected, given the intensity of the political climate.

Overall, A Prominent Patient is a well-made, thought-provoking film that offers a window into a period of history often overlooked in Western media. The intricate plot, combined with the superb acting and high production values, make this film an excellent choice for historical drama fans. This is a movie that highlights the complexities of human nature, relationships and the power and corruption of politics. It’s an uncomfortable story that raises questions that seem even more pressing today. Anyone interested in the story of Jan Masaryk should definitely give A Prominent Patient a watch.

A Prominent Patient is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.