The countdown is on... The End of August at the Hotel Ozone

Fans of the post-apocalyptic genre need to seek out and view this bleak and down trodden rendition of mankind's future, as seen from the eyes of the mid cold war era. Shot in an almost "spaghetti western" style, The End of August at the Hotel Ozone is, perhaps, one of the most original of films in this niche. Viewers will, however, have to endure subtitles, which should not be seen as a burden to anyone considering themselves a fan of film.

People sensitive to the rights of animals, though, should be forewarned, as there are three scenes that will offend them. For this reason alone, I sheared 2 cleavers from my score, which, does little for the animals harmed in the making of this film under the sphere of Soviet influence. Though this reviewer has no absolute proof that these animals actually came under harm during production of this project, the scenes in question were far too convincing to conclude that the cow, snake, and dog, were capable of the level of training needed to render the tragic scenario's they appeared in.

A small band of women, led by an elder military woman (Ponicanova), scour the land in search of food and other survivors, especially men. The other women are much younger, and are greatly de-sensitized to the concepts of compassion and mortality. They carry on with their somewhat mundane lives in a reckless fashion, with little regard as to any promising future. Food is sought in whatever canned goods remain, as the land and animals are tainted by the lingering radiation from the final war.

Though they have a few horses, other animals are shot on sight, either perceived as a threat, or, deemed a competitor for whatever food sources remain. Among these is a dog, whom follows this band of women seeking food and companionship. They continuously seek to dissuade his advances, until they shoot him, and bludgeon the poor animal with the butt of a rifle stock.

Under the guidance and tutelage of their Matron, they happen upon a cow in a clearing, which the women shoot and gut on sight. They are soon descended upon by a screaming elderly man (Jariabek), whom is ecstatic with the arrival of other human beings. The scared women raise their weapons to him, but, their Matriarch intervenes. The man, whom appears strange to the women, as they have never encountered a male of their species, brings the troupe to his faltering hotel. He brings them the last of the milk he has, and shows the group his phonograph, his television, and the last published newspaper. He covets these possessions, as they are the last vestiges of civilization he has to show.

The old man is sweet upon the Matriarch, but, she is old, tired, and ill from her years of responsibility to her troupe, and in the comfort of a bed at the hotel, passes on. With this turn of events, the woman next in command (Seidlerova), assumes control of this band of young women, and the story turns to its eventual fate.

The End of August at the Hotel Ozone, though dark and bleak in its depiction of man's fate in a post nuclear war scenario, is an important work. This reviewer does not condone the treatment of the animals, yet, cannot discount the effort brought forth in epitomizing the overall message of the film. The acting is convincing and the cinematography is sound in its conception. The dialog is brief, yet, not overdone. Viewers would do well in taking in this movie, understanding that it will not be a happy addition to their queue.