Black Peter

In its loosely condensed but razor-sharp observations of the youth of the time, 'Black Peter' is reminiscent of a Nils Malmros film without a memory filter. It's just even better. Dun-bearded Peter is so pettily making his way into the grown-up ranks. In a supermarket, he must ensure that customers do not steal, but despite his courage and confidence in authority, Peter has no flair for spying.

The store manager and Peter's admonishing father clearly represent the establishment to which young people listen — before they themselves have to step into character as human beings to their peers. There is neither rebel glorification nor nostalgia about Forman's entertaining period picture, merely thoughtful records of the struggle to fit in -- whether at everyday life or lemonade parties. The at once proud and impressed Ladislav Jakim is a find in the role of Peter.

Director: Miloš Forman
Starring: Ladislav Jakim, Pavla Martínková, Jan Vostrkil, Vladimír Pucholt
Country/year: Czech Republic, 1963
Running time: 85 min.
Formato: DCP
Language: English subtitles
Age limit: Allowed for children over 15
Original title: Černý Petr

Part of the series: Miloš Forman: Ambassador of Anarchy
Forman's films are often hilarious, but never just comedies. “I don't tell stories in black and white. I tell stories in gray,” he himself said. The Cinematek will unfold from 13 October the entire Miloš Forman feature film work — with the Czechoslovak films in autumn 2026 and the American films in early 2027.