"Closely Watched Trains"

"Closely Watched Trains" is a Czech film from 1966 directed by Jiří Menzel, based on a novel by Bohumil Hrabal. The story follows a young railway clerk during World War II who becomes obsessed with watching and timing trains as a way to escape his mundane and oppressive life. Through this, the film explores themes of innocence, maturation, and the impact of war on ordinary individuals. Known for its subtle humor and poetic storytelling, it captures a poignant perspective on personal growth amidst the turbulence of wartime circumstances.