The brilliant, self-taught Czech healer Jan Mikolášek who cured millions with herbal medicine is threatened by the Communist authorities in Agnieszka Holland’s biopic.
The film is inspired by the true story of herbalist and faith healer Jan Mikolášek, who dedicated his life to caring for the sick in spite of the immense obstacles he faced in his private and public life. Born at the turn of the 20th century, Mikolášek wins fame and fortune using unorthodox treatment methods to cure a wide range of diseases. Already a local institution in Czechoslovakia before WWII, the healer gains in reputation and wealth both during the Nazi occupation and under Communist rule. One after another, every regime will want to use his skills and in return gives him protection. But how high will the costs of maintaining this status be as the tide turns? An impressive period piece as well as a thrilling drama about an exceptional man plagued by his own demons with the lead role brilliantly played by both Ivan Trojan and his son Josef.
The screening is part of the Made in Prague ON/OFF Festival, 1 - 30 November 2020, organised in collaboration with the Czech Centre
