Very old, both of them

A television adaptation of a short story by Polish author K. Brandýs. An elderly couple are preparing to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary, to which their children and families are also due. The two elders' wait is filled with reminiscences, revealing both private and socio-political problems. Touchingly nostalgic moments alternate with explosive, nervous scenes, caused by the disappointment that the children did not come. None of the three children has remembered their grandparents. However, the wisdom of old age speaks: if loneliness has remained their lot, they need to come to terms with it as quickly as possible.

Directed by Zlatica Buzgovičová, Very old, both of them leans on a strong ensemble — Marta Černická-Bieliková, Július Pántik, Ivan Petrovický — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1995.