The 1983 film,”About the Brave Blacksmith,” directed by Petr Švéda,isn’t your typical children’s fairy tale. It delves into a dark underground kingdom, features princesses who are not what they seem, and explores themes of betrayal and the deceptive nature of appearances. The story follows three friends who embark on a quest to rescue kidnapped princesses, only to uncover unsettling surprises in the subterranean realm.

Mikeš: The heart of Gold

At the centre of the tale is Mikeš,a young blacksmith with the strength of a mountain and a heart of gold. Played by Pavel Kříž, known for his role as a poet in Dušan Klein’s series, Mikeš leaves his father’s smithy in search of adventure.While some reviewers noted that Kříž didn’t fit the conventional image of a muscular blacksmith, his portrayal captured the essence of knightly virtues.

Pavel Kříž I didn’t mind. I think it’s one of his best acting creations without irony or exaggeration.

Mikeš embodies courage, selflessness, and determination, setting him apart from his companions.

The Quest for the Princesses

inspired by the fairy-tale world of Božena Němcová,the story unfolds as Mikeš encounters two strongmen: Matěj,an eternally hungry miller,and Ondřej,a robust lumberjack.Upon hearing about the mysterious disappearance of three princesses, the trio decides to rescue them from the clutches of the enigmatic Black King, portrayed masterfully by Petr Čepek.

Their journey is fraught with challenges, requiring them to demonstrate not only physical strength but also cunning and wit.The path to the Black King’s underground kingdom is a true test of character.

Filming Locations

The film’s atmospheric settings were primarily shot in South Moravia. The Museum of Strážnice served as the location for Mikeš’s home and other scenes. The windmill featured in the film, associated with Matěj, is located near the village of Kuželov. The ruins of Rosa Coeli in Dolní Kounice provided the backdrop for the Black King’s mysterious kingdom.

Betrayal and Deception

Guided by a magic grandmother, Mikeš reaches the underground kingdom and frees two of the kidnapped princesses.Though, Matěj and Ondřej, blinded by the princesses’ beauty and the promise of wealth, betray Mikeš, leaving him behind while they take the princesses to the king to claim their reward.

The Third Princess and the Black King’s Magic

Undeterred by his companions’ betrayal, Mikeš seeks out the third princess, who initially appears as the ugly grandmother who aided him. The film’s biggest twist reveals that the third princess is, actually, enchanted.When Mikeš breaks the Black King’s spell, her true form is revealed, though perhaps not in the way one might expect.

With the third princess’s help, Mikeš confronts the Black King and destroys the source of his dark magic: black eggs. This intervention occurs just as the king is about to marry the rescued princesses to Matěj and Ondřej at a lavish wedding.

A Hero’s Reward

Mikeš returns to the castle, exposing his treacherous friends and thwarting their coronation. The king, recognizing Mikeš as the true hero, offers him the throne. Although Mikeš marries, he ultimately finds royal life unfulfilling and prefers the simplicity of working in his forge.

One viewer admitted, I was quite afraid of this fairy tale, but later she ranked among my favourite.