Like Never Before

The end of summer in the film also means the end of life. Vladimír Holas dies. Who is Vladimír Holas? Painter, sculptor and teacher of district importance. He painted many beautiful pictures - but not as great as he wished. He wasn't in the party, he wasn't in the Union of Artists, he didn't sell out to the past regime. The house in the beautiful countryside is his last refuge, death is inevitable and he doesn't want to die in an estranged hospital. He wants to crouch standing up, the way he lived.

Directed by Zdeněk Tyc, Like Never Before leans on a strong ensemble — Petra Špalková, Taťjana Medvecká, Jiří Schmitzer — 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 2013.