The Shop On Main Street (The Criterion Collection)

The Shop On Main Street (The Criterion Collection)
by Elmar Klos, Ján Kadár

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DVD Reviews of The Shop On Main Street (The Criterion Collection)

DVD Review: Excellent, but poorly translated
Summary: 5 Stars

Aside from the title sequence the spoken language is all Slovak and not Czech or any other form of convoluted Czech-Slovak dialect. Considering most Czechs were expelled from Slovakia during this period, it would be inconceivable for the director to have the actors speak Czech --the domestic audience would have never tolerated that. The english subtitles, however, contain many errors and poorly translated passages which detract from fully understanding the humour, sarcasm and even some events. There is some profanity, which is also translated into more tempered english terms.

Here a two examples:

In the subtitles, Tono's friend and neighbour Piti is refered to as Piti Batchi, which should be 'baci', the Hungarian word for 'uncle', that many south eastern Slovaks use as a term of endearment and respect. In one scene Tono calls Imro Kuchar --- Kuchar baci.

The term Pan, which translates into Mr. --has a double meaning. Historically, it meant someone of nobility, a baron or a land holder. On two occasions Tono is refered to as "pan Brtko" but in a very sarcastic way. Once by Katz, the barber, while packing and later by the Hlinka Guard Luetenant Martin in the pub. I think Tono understands the ridicule, but doesn't understand why yet.

The DVD should have included some historical background, as I believe many viewers will not be familiar with the history of the region during this period. This may confuse some viewers who may not understand the many references or the regalia displayed in the film.

The movie is also a metaphor for life under Stalinism. Although it takes place during WWII, the jews can easily be replaced by non communists and the Hlinka Guards by the Stalinist era communists who persecuted all who stepped over the official party line. Even an innocent joke, deemed inappropriate, could carry a 5yr sentence. It was not uncommon for children to report their parents to the authorities for saying or doing something against the communist dogma tought to them in school. This is clearly evident in the barbershop scene with the angry Piti baci and later when Tono realises that he was "set up" by his own brother-in-law. Marcus Kolkotsky, the Hlinka Guard commander and Tono's brother-in-law knows Tono is a weak man, he says as much during the drinking party during which he calls Tono a coward when Tono can't hold down his liquor. He also made it very clear as to what would happen to anyone harbouring or aiding the jews. Only Kolkotsky could have made sure Mrs. Lautmann's 'call-up" card was never issued or delivered, only he knew the inner turmoil this would create within Tono and only he knew that no matter what happened, he had him.

Description of The Shop On Main Street (The Criterion Collection)