Kovladov dar

Legend has it: once upon a time, in a tribe ruled by a wise vladyka, there lived two young men, Rastislav and Ctirad. Both of them loved the daughter of the vladyk, Milica. And she loved Rastislav. So the old vladyka decided to give her in marriage to the one of them who would bring him the skin of a white deer, which would guarantee him eternal youth. And so the young men set out to hunt. And indeed, they soon succeed in catching the deer, but it is protected by a miraculous falcon, which Ctirad slaughters. Only the falcon is actually Kovlad himself, the lord of the Copper Mountain, which hides immense treasures within itself. Because his leg is injured, he cannot return to his kingdom. Rastislav will help him, however, even at the cost of Ctibor returning to the tribe before he does and bidding for Milica's hand. Of course, Kovlad will repay him for his help with a gift of immense value. She gives him a steel sword that will make him the most valiant warrior.

Directed by Ján Chlebík, Kovladov dar leans on a strong ensemble — Vladimír Kobielský, Roman Matisko, Marián Geišberg — 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 fantasy titles of 1998.