Identity Card

Running time: 137 mins

Even in Russian-occupied 1974 Czechoslovakia, two things you can count on: boys will be boys, and rules were made to be broken.

Four free-spirited friends turn 15 and receive their ID cards, a landmark in the life of socialist citizens, but in reality a document the police can use to humiliate and manipulate young rebels at their convenience. And make no mistake; these fellows are rebels -- against their parents, their teachers, and the Communist System.

Not the soul-crushing view of Soviet oppression we're used to, this is a loving look back at an era not often lovingly looked back upon ("It may not have been the best of times, but it was our time"), with a wonderful cast and terrific soundtrack, including brilliant use of a lesser-known Bob Dylan song.

- Charlie Cockey (w/ gleans from Variety & expat.cz)

Sponsored by Applied Materials