TV Guide: Perhaps the Best Slovenian Comedy of All Time
Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A classic Slovenian comedy film, "Tistega lepega dne" (That Fine Day), directed by France Štiglic, will be broadcast on TV SLO 1.
- The film, based on a novella by Ciril Kosmač, tells the story of patriotic Slovenians resisting Italian fascism in a village during the interwar period.
- Digitally restored in 2021, the 1962 black-and-white film is praised for its humor, authentic characters, and performances.
France Štiglic's "Tistega lepega dne" (That Fine Day) stands as a testament to Slovenian cinema, a film that continues to resonate decades after its creation. Broadcast on TV SLO 1, this classic, originally released in 1962, is more than just a comedy; it's a vibrant portrayal of Slovenian identity and resistance.
Tistega lepega dne has it all: a story about resilient and patriotic Slovenians who despise fascism, authentic human characters, superb acting, and above all, humor that is witty even six decades after the film's creation.
The narrative, adapted from Ciril Kosmač's novella, masterfully weaves a tale of a village, Vrtača, under Italian occupation between the World Wars. It highlights the unwavering spirit of Slovenians who defy fascism, contrasting their resilience with the few who succumb to Italian influence. The arrival of Hedvika from Milan injects a delightful dose of romantic entanglement, adding layers of humor and human drama.
What makes "Tistega lepega dne" particularly special from a Slovenian perspective is its authentic depiction of rural life and its celebration of national character. The film's humor, sharp and witty even after sixty years, speaks to a shared cultural understanding. The performances, especially by Bert Sotlar and Duša Počkaj, bring these characters to life with remarkable depth.
The light-hearted romantic comedy directed by one of our greatest film directors was shot in the village of Podnanos.
The recent digital restoration ensures that this cinematic gem is preserved for future generations, allowing contemporary audiences to appreciate its artistic merit and historical significance. It's a proud moment for Slovenian cultural heritage when such films are revitalized and presented to the public, reinforcing our national narrative through art.
With the digital restoration, the picture and sound were cleaned and improved, preserving the classic for future generations.
Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.