Etudes for Piano Students

Films for children gradually fell into the grip of expressive and content sterility, succumbing to exhortative, educational tendencies. This is also the case in the story of a 14-year-old girl who has been accepted to the conservatory, but a sudden accident, a broken arm, makes her rethink her priorities - she learns that it is possible to engage in other activities than the tedious practice of piano etudes.

Directed by Ota Koval, Etudes for Piano Students leans on a strong ensemble — Lucie Tomková, David Novotný, Evelyna Steimarová — 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 1987.