Baron Prasil

Plot

The Fabulous Baron Munchausen was Czechoslovakian special-effect master Karel Zeman's follow-up to The Fabulous World of Jules Verne (60). Using Gustav Dore paintings as backdrops, Zeman (by way of 18th century satirist Rudolf Raspe) recounts the many mendacious adventures of the boastful Baron (Milos Kopecky). The film opens on the surface of the moon, where a modern-day cosmonaut confronts both Munchausen and another legendary pioneer space traveller, Cyrano de Bergerac. The cosmonaut then joins the Baron for further highlight suspect escapades. Combining live action, stop-motion animation and deliberately unreal backgrounds, The Fabulous Baron Munchausen (original title: Baron Prasil) is a wonderful bouquet to the spirit of imagination--or "the spirit of man", as the cosmonaut puts it. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Review

Baron Prasil is a charming and delectable piece of whimsy, albeit one with a fairly limited audience. While young viewers can certainly find much to enjoy, the film is not really geared toward the kiddy set; at the same time, many adults who enjoy fantastic adventures will find it a bit too gentle and sedate. But it is these very qualities that set it apart from so many other entries in the science fiction/fantasy genre, and its understated sensibility will be a big draw to those looking for something a little different in their adventure films. While Karel Zeman's screenplay is filled with delightful touches and succeeds in creating a tone that is both romantic and silly, it is Zeman's work as director and especially designer that is really impressive here. Working most often with scenes shot in either a china blue or sepia golden tone, Zeman creates a marvelous, beautiful, otherworldly atmosphere the very artificiality of which is a plus. Setting stop-motion animation, matte-process shots, and silhouettes (and, of course, live action) in some glorious Gustave Dore-inspired settings gives Prasil a unique look and a tremendously playful feel. Prasil's cast -- especially Milos Kopecky in the title role -- all fall into the spirit of the piece and add greatly to the fun (so much so that most will be willing to overlook the very poor English dubbing). Special mention should also be made of Zdenek Liska's flavorful score, which eschews the pomposity that often accompanies such projects in favor of a more playful tone. Prasil is not without its flaws -- such as its inevitable episodic nature -- but on the whole, it's an enchanting little curio. ~ Craig Butler, Rovi

Cast

• Jana Brejchova - Princess Bianca
• Rudolf Jelinek - Tonik
• Rudolf Hrusínsky - The Sultan

Milos Kopecky - Baron Munchausen; Jan Werich - Ship's Captain; Karel Effa - Adjutant

Credit

Karel Zeman - Director, Zdenek Liska - Composer (Music Score), Karel Zeman - Production Designer, Jiri Tarantik - Cinematographer, Karel Zeman - Screenwriter, Gottfried Burger - Book Author

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