Šarlatán (2020)

This is a 2020 Czech-Polish-Irish-Slovak biographical drama film directed by Agnieszka Holland and scripted by Marek Epstein.

The story is based on the real life of Jan Mikolášek, (1889-1973) a renowned Czech healer and herbalist who cured hundreds of people using herbal remedies.

The plot is set in the 1950s, in the midst of the communist era in Czechoslovakia.

The film immerses us in the life of Mikolášek, played by Ivan Trojan, as he becomes an influential and respected figure for his ability to cure diseases using medicinal plants.

Through his work, Mikolášek gains people's trust and becomes a recognised figure in society.

However, the situation becomes complicated when the communist regime becomes suspicious of Mikolášek's activities.

He is accused of fraud and of being a charlatan, which endangers his reputation and his freedom. The film shows Mikolášek's struggle to maintain his integrity and his work in an oppressive political environment.

"Šarlatán" deals with important themes such as freedom, corruption and the struggle against the established system. The film immerses us in the tension between beliefs in traditional medicine and the rigidity of bureaucracy and political power.

Throughout the film, the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by Mikolášek are explored, as well as their impact on society. The story invites us to reflect on the importance of freedom and resistance in difficult times.

It was selected as the Czech entry for Best International Film at the 93rd Academy Awards and was shortlisted in February.

It won five awards, including Best Film at the 2021 Czech Lion Awards. It should be noted that in real life, Jan Mikolášek was tried and convicted in 1959 for tax and other offences, but not for murder by strychnine poisoning, was released in 1963 and died in 1973.