The Devil's Trap (1962) (UK-import)
The first in Vláčil’s trilogy of beautifully realised historical epics (which includes his legendary works Marketa Lazarová and The Valley of the Bees), The Devil’s Trap is set in 16th century Bohemia where a miller and his son find themselves under investigation by Inquisition authorities after daring to question the local landowner. Evoking a time where religious authority holds sway, and an understanding of the natural world is interpreted as evidence of a diabolical pact, the film stunningly creates a cruel but credible world torn between superstition and science.
All the categories
