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A first time director, who began his career as a stuntman, making a crime film in the Czech Republic. It doesn’t exactly scream ‘box office smash’ does it? But crime thriller Kajínek has become the country’s most successful film, shattering all previous records within its first two weeks.
The film centres on Jiří Kajínek who was sentenced to life in prison in 1993 for the murder of two underworld figures. The relatively unknown killer gained notoriety when he escaped from the Czech Republic’s answer to Alcatraz where he was incacerated. His freedom was short lived however, as he was quickly re-captured and sent back to continue his life sentence.
He always maintained his innocence and blamed his conviction on the country’s corrupt police. And now, with Kajínek still in jail fighting to clear his name, a film has been released chronicling his journey.
Following the success of biopics Killer Instinct and Public Enemy no.1, telling the story of notorious French criminal Jacques Mesrine, it’s no great surprise that other countries are getting in on the true-crime act. Mesrine made for excellent viewing and had the crossover appeal for the United States which most European films lack.
Whether or not Kajínek has the same success remains to be seen. Director Petr Jákl is confident as he himself has some Hollywood experience. He worked as a stunt man in Tinsel town before trying his hand at directing.
But whether or not the movie makes it outside the Czech Republic, the film is already a hit at home. It’s broken all domestic records, launched a possible assault on the international market and most importantly for the protagonist…made sure he stays in the headlines for a little while longer.
