EMPTIES - Reviews

GLOBE & MAIL - **** - 4 STARS!!!
Friday Sept. 7th, 07
With the exceptionally funny and touching Empties, this Oscar-winning (Kolya) Czech director completes his acclaimed trilogy of films about stages in life. His father, Zdenek Sverak (once again his co-writer), stars as Josef, a blithe, somewhat mischievous literature professor who reluctantly retires. Josef's restless, social nature soon leads him to take a part-time job at a bottle-return counter - much to the consternation of his slightly jealous wife - and his well-intentioned meddling in other people's romantic problems produces mixed results. This comedy about life's inevitable transitions may conclude with an unforgettable scene in a hot-air balloon, but its many pleasures are down-to-earth.