This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Beth Morris) is limited to 500 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Founded in 2013, Big World Pictures is a non-profit distribution outfit dedicated to bringing the best in world cinema to film enthusiasts across the United States. Previous releases include films by Radu Jude, Tamer El Said, Maya Vitkova, Jean-Gabriel Périot, Julia Murat, Tsai Ming-liang and Eric Rohmer. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
A timely metaphor for failing democracy, THE OWNERS takes a seriocomic look at the most local form of self-governance: the co-op apartment building meeting. It includes a curious cast of characters, all of whom own apartments in the same building in Prague, as they attempt to tolerate each other’s presence long enough to make some important decisions about the building’s future. Mrs. Zahrádková wants to save the old crumbling house she shares with other owners of the flats located in it. She might find supporters for her plan in young newlyweds with their idealistic enthusiasm, who have just moved in and are astonished by the co-owners’ inability to agree on anything. Mrs. Zahrádková wants to save the old crumbling house she shares with other owners of the flats located in it. She might find supporters for her plan in young newlyweds with their idealistic enthusiasm, who have just moved in and are astonished by the co-owners’ inability to agree on anything. Mrs. Roubíčková vigilantly controls the proper course of the meeting, not allowing the slightest deviation from the rules; Mrs. Procházková and her proclaimed business partner Mr. Novak are looking for ways to increase the value of their property, including by subletting an apartment to African students; Mr. Nitranský tries to get hold of the attic to expand his flat; and frustrated Mr. Kubát sabotages any decision.
"Really great movie, that tell a lot more than it seems"
— Pierre L. (5/5)
Very relatable
"This was a great comedy, and very reminiscent of Czech New Wave movies from the 1960s. The dialog can be hard to follow as it is pretty nonstop throughout the movie, and it can be hard to keep up as you end up processing one joke as a few more are lobbed at you right away. There is a lot of innuendo and thinly veiled insults along the way. The Movie is an indictment about bureaucracy, Socialism, Capitalism, racism, sexism, etc. Pretty much every social topic is fair game. And if you have ever sat through a meeting at work or at an HOA meeting, a lot of the frustration that is felt from watching the chaotic meeting progress is highly relatable. I did take off one star for the fact that there really are no extras on the disc, just a trailer. Also, a booklet would have been a welcome addition."
— Christopher K. (4/5)
Dark comedic look at the HOA
""The Owners" (2019), directed by Jiří Havelka, is a captivating Czech dark comedy that takes a sharp, satirical look at human nature and societal issues. The film is set almost entirely within a condominium meeting where the flat owners must make crucial decisions about their building. As they debate and bicker, their true personalities and hidden agendas come to light, resulting in a mix of hilarity, tension, and chaos. The script is smart and witty, with well-drawn characters that keep the audience engaged from start to finish. Havelka's direction brings out the absurdity and drama in the seemingly mundane setting, making "The Owners" a thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining watch. The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, each contributing to the film's biting humor and sharp social commentary. If you're in the mood for a unique film that combines comedy with a deep dive into human behavior, "The Owners" is definitely worth checking out."
— Tarek E. (3/5)
HOA meeting on steroids
"The movie is about foreign film (Czech) about an HOA meeting. Everyone has different personalities and ideas of how to run things. Sometimes comical but mostly filled with arguments."
— Larry K. (2/5)
A wonderful little gem
"A black comedy. Loved it. Looked and sounded great. A wonderful overlooked little gem, till now."
— Hansi L. (5/5)
Within ten minutes, I would
"Within ten minutes, I would have been more than happy to see a pressure cooker filled with nails and rebar explode in the middle of the table and take out every one of these miserable sacks of shit. I felt emotionally angry at having to even listen to them as I try my best people to avoid people like this. . . well, people in general, I suppose. Thankfully, the movie began to show the cracks that it's very much aware of it and begins letting the selfish, self-serving ways of the characters, all of which could be a stand-in for any number of people you probably personally know, and allows us to begin to laugh at them and their ridiculousness, becoming enjoyable by joining you with jeering at them."
— Dustin B. (4/5)
Excellent drama
"A grounded intimate film. I really enjoyed the sharp dialogue. Good picture and sound. Great for intense family dynamic film lovers."
— Maximillian G. (5/5)
Great little film
"I love when a label brings out something I've never heard of, gets me intrigued, and then the pay-off is a film like this. Funny (but bleak) and a good metaphor for a lot more places than just the Czech Republic."
— Rodney C. (5/5)
REAL LIFE
"SAME HERE, REALLY!"
— Juanma F. (4/5)
Q&A
More Items to Consider
Cart
0 Item(s)
Stay in the know!
Join our mailing list for updates on new releases, promotions & events.
