Protektor

The insidious influence of fascism – and the slow awakening of conscience – are painstakingly explored in this dour but intriguing tale of an up-and-coming radio star and his housebound Jewish wife in Nazi-occupied Prague. As a study of collaboration and self-protection, the film works superbly, depicting the slow-boil acceptance of an unbearable reality. But as a movie, it’s more problematic: the story is episodic, the electronically enhanced score inappropriate and the washed-out colour palette lends an air of unreality. Flawed, but definitely worth catching.