Dragon's Return (DVD)

Directed by Eduard Grecner

A key film from Slovak cinema’s golden era, Eduard Grecner's Dragon's Return is a radical fusion of ancient folklore and experimental modernism - and an exciting rediscovery.

A reclusive potter, Martin Lepiš - nicknamed 'Dragon' - is exiled from his isolated mountain village. Years later he returns, aiming to win back the trust of the villagers, but his re-appearence instead engenders an atmosphere of suspicion, guilt, and simmering violence. Set at an unspecified time in the distant past, in a world ruled by superstition and seemingly isolated from history, this deceptively simple story is imbued with mythic qualities.

Shot in luminous monochrome, and enhanced by an extraordinary score from Ilja Zeljenka, Grecner's haunting film is a work of brooding atmosphere and rich physicality. An elemental vision of clay, rock, blood and fire.

The DVD presents the film from a superb new high definition digital transfer, and also includes a new filmed introduction by Czech and Slovak cinema expert Peter Hames and a booklet featuring a new essay on the film by author and academic Jonathan Owen.

"An intersection between modern art and folk culture... an eternal ballad about the essence of life" Peter Hames

"A compelling film, surely as exciting today as it was originally" Senses of Cinema

"A beautifully poetic piece, big on atmosphere and intense psychological reflection… Another truly special film from a truly special time" Bonjour Tristesse

“It is a work of great visual culture, a slide-show of pure cinematic images. It resembles a classic tragedy yet at the same time thanks to its ideas, it is a contemporary piece” R. Hassmann: Grecner True to Chrobák

“It lures by its look, enchants by its music, challenges by its defence of the fates of its characters” Ivan Gerlach, Grecner’s Film Ballad, Lud