Closely Watched Trains (1966)

Set during the early days of WWII, after the brutal Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia, a young man named Milos Hrma steps into the world of employment, following a lineage of men who've savored the sweetness of idleness. His first job finds him as an apprentice train dispatcher at the much-admired Kostomlátky Station - a role that carries the veneer of importance, but only demands him to carry his disc around the platform when the infrequent trains chug in and out of the station. Among the station's motley crew are an ineffective stationmaster whose loftiness is only matched by his love for pigeon-keeping, and Hubicka, the head dispatcher who's mastered the art of doing little "work". Hubicka's effortless charm with women particularly fascinates Milos, who, still a virgin, yearns to understand the art of seduction and win the affection of Mása, his friend who doubles as a conductor and a photography assistant. As Milos navigates through the complexities of his job and the intricacies of budding romance, he sees his sexual prowess as a measure of his manhood. But with the arrival of Zednícek, a town councilor and Nazi collaborator, Milos is forced to reevaluate his understanding of bravery and masculinity. Zednícek emphasizes the strategic importance of their seemingly mundane jobs, as the trains they oversee carry out crucial tasks for the Nazi cause. In a world where train schedules could make or break the war, Milos learns that courage and manhood mean more than just personal conquests. Will this revelation change his perspective on life, love, and his role in the grand scheme of things? 'Closely Watched Trains' encapsulates this journey, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary in a time of great turmoil.

Closely Watched Trains is a comedy movie featuring Václav Neckář.

Closely Watched Trains is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Closely Watched Trains on Apple TV.