This film will no longer be available in Subscription from 29 November
Lemonade Joe
A hilarious, energetic musical parody of old-style westerns, full of twists and hidden identities, which boasts a considerable cult following in the Czech Republic.
Director: Oldrich Lipsky
Overview
Joe, a clean-shaven, lemonade-swigging, sharp-shooting cowboy, enters the Trigger Whisky Saloon in Arizona’s Stetson City and orders a Kolaloka lemonade . Before he even takes a sip, he defeats a gang of robbers, dispensing justice and converting the sinful townspeople to sobriety. Joe leaves the town just as the legendary master criminal of the Wild West, aka master-of-disguise Hogo Fogo arrives. Dressed in white and black, representing good and evil, they fight for the right to promote whisky or lemonade, and for the hand of the beautiful Winifred.
Directed by Oldřich Lipský and written by Jiří Brdečka, based on his novel and stage play, this is a formally innovative, technically playful film with a striking sepia-toned cartoonish aesthetic that blends quick-fire jokes, silent slapstick, and inspired music and songs from the swinging '60s, covering everything from ragtime to blues to cabaret. As in opera, emotions are expressed in song, with a mix of conscious affectation and naivety in both lyrics and dialogue. Supported by a splendid cast including Květa Fialová as the fallen barroom singer Tornado Lou, this is a fitting contribution to the Year of Czech Music celebrations.
Related
The Proposition The Proposition
Western 2006 104 mins Director: John Hillcoat
John Hillcoat and Nick Cave's brilliant, brutal bushranger western, with Guy Pearce as the outlaw tasked with tracking down his psychopathic elder brother (Danny Huston).
Witchhammer Witchhammer
Historical drama 1969 102 mins Director: Otakar Vávra
A notorious 17th-century witch trial turns into a powerful allegory of life under totalitarian rule, in this chilling Czech political fable.
A Bittersweet Life A Bittersweet Life
Action and Adventure 2005 120 mins Director: Kim Jee-woon and Doo Hong Jung
A hitman becomes the target in this ultra-stylish neo noir from Kim Jee-woon.
The Foul King The Foul King
Comedy 2000 112 mins Director: Kim Jee-woon
Kim Jee-woon’s hilarious comedy, starring Song Kang-ho (Parasite) as a wimpy bank clerk who turns his hand to competitive wrestling.
After the Long Rains After the Long Rains
Drama 2024 91 mins Director: Damien Hauser
Ten-year-old Aisha courageously pursues her dream of becoming an actress in this exquisite coming-of-age tale from Kenya.
Audition Audition
Documentary 1963 79 mins Director: Milos Forman
Considered the first of the Czech New Wave, launching the career of Miloš Forman and showcasing his trademark use of non-actors, focusing on ordinary people in everyday life.
The Chaser The Chaser
Crime 2008 125 mins Director: Na Hong-jin
A disgraced ex-cop has twelve hours to stop the release of a serial killer in this acclaimed, multi award-winning cult classic.
Police Story Police Story
Martial arts 1985 101 mins Director: Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan's mind-blowing, high-octane extravaganza of death-defying stunts and action comedy.
Hapkido Hapkido
Action and Adventure 1972 98 mins Director: Huang Feng
Two martial arts schools battle it out in Huang Feng’s action classic (aka Lady Kung Fu), starring long term collaborator and combat master, Angela Mao.
Project A Project A
Action and Adventure 1983 106 mins Director: Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan’s rip-roaring action-adventure about a coastguard hot on the trail of a ruthless band of pirates in late 19th century Hong Kong.
China O'Brien China O'Brien
Action and Adventure 1991 91 mins Director: Robert Clouse
Cynthia Rothrock stars as the tough city cop and martial artist on the trail of a local crime boss, in this action classic from the director of Enter the Dragon.
Jesus' Son Jesus' Son
Drama 1999 108 mins Director: Alison Maclean
Billy Crudup stars as a young drifter who gets hooked on heroin in this star-studded story of addiction, recovery and redemption.
The New Boy The New Boy
Drama 2023 96 mins Director: Warwick Thornton
Cate Blanchett is mesmerising as a feverish nun, in Warwick Thornton’s striking tale of spiritual worlds colliding in 1940s Australia.