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Explore the presentation of the struggle for freedom, both sexual and political in Jiri Menzel’s Closely Watched Trains.

At first glance ‘Closely Watched Trains’ could appear to be to be a losing fight against adversity, which inevitably it is, however there are many moments and hints at liberation and the endeavour for freedom within it that give out hope. It takes place in occupied Czechoslovakia, and our protagonist Milos, who becomes a dispatcher’s apprentice, is more concerned initially with his journey to sexual awakening. Oblivious to the war he encounters a world which is frustrating and ultimately leads to a very up and down series of events cumulating with his attempted suicide and eventual death at the end.

The political struggle in this film, to begin with, passes Milos by and he is fairly unaware of the overall picture he finds himself in. The sleepy station, which trains nearly always skip, seems quiet and insignificant. There appears to be no signs of war here, however, although the narrative often strays more towards the sexual quest for liberation there are a number of connotat...

Posted by: Rebecca Wyant

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