Smalltown, year 1958. Fero Macejka, a 15-year-old boy from the margins of society is accused of rape and murder of a young girl. Three university friends – a defence attorney, a prosecutor, and a judge. For the defence attorney Kolár, it is his first big case. The Prosecutor Felcán is given the opportunity to clear his name and restore faith in a justice system. The Judge Formánková stands above them. It is she, who will pronounce the final verdict. The film is set shortly after the end of the period of consolidation of the ruling Communist Party’s power through political trials. Those who served the unlimited power only a short time ago shall now serve justice. The film points to the roots of the methods of the cult of personality applied in the police and the judiciary and at the same time criticizes judicial practices. A close look at evil of any political system which rules by sheer brute force.

Rastislav Steranka