Watch Burning Bush

Burning Bush is a three-part mini-series from 2013 by acclaimed Czech filmmaker Agnieszka Holland that portrays the political tension and societal upheaval that gripped Czechoslovakia in the early 1990s. The show revolves around the aftermath of the death of Jan Palach, a Prague student who set himself on fire in 1969 as a protest against the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia. The series documents the effect of Palach's death on the broader national psyche and follows the ensuing investigation and eventual arrest of his alleged abettors as they fight to clear their names and challenge the government's lies.

The show is led by the impeccable performance of Tatiana Pauhofov in the role of Dagmar Burešová, Palach's lawyer who takes up the battle against the Czech Communist Party's attempts to discredit Palach's ultimate sacrifice as a feeble-minded stunt. Dagmar is convinced that her client acted as a pure act of conscience and sets out to defend his name by battling Czech bureaucrats who are keen to portray Palach and his supporters as madmen and enemies of the state.

Burning Bush explores several themes, including the role of the individual in shaping history, the truthfulness of government accounts, and the power of the press to influence opinion. It also delves into the intricacies of Czech politics and the often-disheartening labyrinth of political corruption and collusion. The show highlights the resolve and fortitude of those who fought to establish a democratic state in the aftermath of the communist era.

One of the standout aspects of the series is the attention to detail paid to both the time period and the setting. The show has a palpable period feel that immediately transports the viewer back to the early 1990s when the Czech Republic was still reeling from the trauma of the Soviet-led invasion. The cinematography and lighting are excellent, and the use of archival footage to set the scene and establish the truth behind the story is an effective touch.

The narrative of Burning Bush is well-paced, with each episode providing a deeper dive into the story, establishing the characters, and setting the stage for the eventual showdown. Moreover, the direction is exceptional, with Holland showing a real affinity for handling the quiet, contemplative moments with as much skill as the more action-packed scenes.

At its core, Burning Bush is about the pursuit of justice and the fight for rights and dignity. The show meticulously illustrates the trials and tribulations of an ordinary person fighting against a seemingly insurmountable system. The characters are compelling, and their personal journeys are as important to the story as the broader political narrative.

While Burning Bush is clearly a political drama, it is not one that is intent on hammering home a particular point of view. Instead, it offers an honest and nuanced portrayal of a pivotal moment in the history of the Czech Republic, unafraid to occasionally show the ugly side of its characters, whether heroic or villainous.

Overall, Burning Bush is a superbly crafted mini-series that offers a compelling and engaging portrayal of a key moment in Czechoslovakian history. The acting is first-rate, the direction is exemplary, and the story is both moving and thought-provoking. Highly recommended for those keen on political dramas, historical pieces, or those with an interest in European history, Burning Bush is a must-watch show that deserves a wider audience.