Rating: 
Summary: The Dark World of Male Prostitution
Review:
Wiktor Grodecki's masterful film entitled "Mandragora" is by any standard, a stirring and gut wrenching example of poverty gone amok. The torrid film depicts the story of Marek, superbly played by Miroslav Caslavka, a troubled boy of fifteen who, bored with the juvenile pranks and idle antics in an average town, seeks the glitz and glitter of the city of Prague. Once there, he quickly realizes the needs of life in the big city come with a price, one which he cannot afford and thus succumbs to the hungry appetite of the predatory elements surrounding him. Beginning with the alluring promise of quick cash for services rendered, Marek, quickly realizes this means his 'innocence' which is taken after being drugged and raped. Escaping the inattentive and uncaring pimp, he descends into the depths of sexual perversions when he encounters and befriends a more 'experienced' partner who trades him to a dark, sadistic pair, leaving him broken and violated. The decent into the perverted practices continues when, after a brief respite, he finds himself beaten, left for dead and in the hands of a vicious pornographer. With his father searching for him, the boy having survived an appalling apprenticeship, delves into the illusionary and dead end world of drugs where father and son unfortunately miss each other by inches. All in all, a truly revealing film for anyone wishing to have a worm's eye view in the slow death of male prostitutes. ****
Rating:
Summary: Realistic Gay Horror
Review: Before deciding to view this film, I had researched much of the background about the director and actors involved with this production. This film's first objective, I believe, is to expose the humiliating and degrading underbelly of underaged male prostitution and the horrors of the gay porn industry. But it also succeeds in evoking amazing thought processes in the mind of the astute viewer, who will be questioning whether this realistic depiction is truly believable. In the end, the viewer will realize that it is. Anyone who cannot feel pity for the youth who are sucked into this terrifying, unforgiving realm must need to have their head examined.A necessary word about the DVD edition, not at all impressive folks. The print used was obviously well played with no attempt to correct film artifacts or sound distortion. This is only mildly distracting, mostly at reel changes, and shouldn't discourage anyone who is interested in the subject from viewing the film. And don't expect any bonus materials either, there are none. I suppose we should be grateful that Waterbearer at least makes the film available, but how unfortunate that some background about the director, screenwriters, actors and others was not at least attempted. Grossly overpriced for what you get, rent it instead, if you can find it, and keep your fingers crossed for a more expanded version soon. You WILL want to view it again with some friends.
Rating: 
Summary: Not homophobic trash
Review: I don't mean to diss anyones opinion, I just want to say this:
The problem with a movie dealing with this subject would offcorse be that it may put homosexuals in the light of them all being like the prostetutes costumers, but the thing is that I catch the story this way:
Marek is actually gay. He's scared or doesn't feel welcome at school and when his father asks he says:"you wouldn't understand"
But he can't tell anyone, because then he will be mocked for 'getting payed to have fun'. The signs are his rejection to girls,like his not interested.The way he sees to sort of fall in love with David, even though he is indeed a jerk.And of corse, the posters in his room.
So there you have a sympathetic gay-character.
To me it was quite obvious,but maybe it was just because I wanted it to be gay movie.
Besides that I want to say that this is a great movie, and it's taught me a lot about prostetution and especially about porn. I didn't think they lived such hard and voilent lives. I recomend it to people with strong minds who are open to something different.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful Filmaking
Review: I have not seen another movie by this director-so I can not compare this DVD to his documentaries-but this movie is a heartbreaking, masterpiece that I will never forget. The sublime acting and seductive cinematography allow us to see the Prague through the sympathetic eyes of a 16 year old hustler (Merek) who happens to be gay (he seems to be one of the few male prostitutes in this film who is). Apparently when the fog of communism was lifted from this part of the Eastern Block, fascism replaced it with its trademark culture of violence-in a post AIDS world. I felt transformed after seeing this movie. This motion picture is more like The Passion of Christ than My Own Private Idaho. However, unlike Mel Gibson, this director mercifully spares us from most of the details of the violence inflicted, but the effects of that violence stay with us for a long time. Intense, unflinching and gritty-at times difficult to watch, like an automobile accident in slow motion-this homoerotic and homophobic movie does not portray gays with malicious intent-it is simply the nature of the Prague prostitution terrain. Not one of the characters who impacts Merek's downward spiral has many (or any) redeemable qualities, be they straight or gay, most are manipulative, self-centered and cruel. The movie is neither politically correct nor religiously correct. Even the most sympathetic characters, Merek and his father, are barely redeemable. Merek's youthful good looks and unsinkable innocence keep us watching, while his father's search for his son gives us hope. If this movie does not break your heart, then you don't have one.
Rating: 
Summary: A Miniature Masterpiece of Melodramatic Manipulation
Review: I have not seen another movie by this director-so I can not compare this DVD to his documentaries-but this movie is a small, heartbreaking, and hard to forget exploitation film. The seductive cinematography allow us to see the Prague through the (almost) sympathetic eyes of a 16 year old hustler (Merek) who happens to be gay (he seems to be one of the few male prostitutes in this film who is). The travelogue-style opening shots of Czechoslovakia suck us in to the bleak nihilistic underbelly of post communist Czechoslovakian society populated by people who dwell on the fringe, surviving any way they can from one day to the next. Apparently, when the fog of communism lifted from this part of the Eastern Block, fascism replaced it with its trademark culture of violence-in a post AIDS world. But this becomes incidental. This motion picture is more like The Passion of Christ than My Own Private Idaho. However, unlike Mel Gibson, this director mercifully spares us from many of the details of the violence inflicted, but the effects of that violence stay with us. Intense, unflinching and gritty-at times difficult to watch, like an automobile accident in slow motion-the combined homoerotic and homophobic content (the inherent contradiction in this type of filmmaking) exploits as it condemns. Not one of the cardboard characters who impacts Merek's downward spiral has many (or any) redeemable qualities-most are manipulative, self-centered and cruel. Merek's youthful good looks and unsinkable innocence keep us watching, while his father's search for his prodigal son gives us hope. One wonders why a filmmaker would become obsessed with the world of young male hustlers and wicked male predators. Is this one self loathing homosexual's effort to paint a picture of modern Babylon through an exploration of his own desires? Or greed? (Or both?) Imagine what this director could do with a good script. Rent, don't buy.
Rating:
Summary: A Miniature Masterpiece of Melodramatic Manipulation
Review: I have not seen another movie by this director-so I can not compare this DVD to his documentaries-but this movie is a small, heartbreaking, and hard to forget exploitation film. The seductive cinematography allow us to see the Prague through the (almost) sympathetic eyes of a 16 year old hustler (Merek) who happens to be gay (he seems to be one of the few male prostitutes in this film who is). The travelogue-style opening shots of Czechoslovakia suck us in to the bleak nihilistic underbelly of post communist Czechoslovakian society populated by people who dwell on the fringe, surviving any way they can from one day to the next. Apparently, when the fog of communism lifted from this part of the Eastern Block, fascism replaced it with its trademark culture of violence-in a post AIDS world. But this becomes incidental. This motion picture is more like The Passion of Christ than My Own Private Idaho. However, unlike Mel Gibson, this director mercifully spares us from many of the details of the violence inflicted, but the effects of that violence stay with us. Intense, unflinching and gritty-at times difficult to watch, like an automobile accident in slow motion-the combined homoerotic and homophobic content (the inherent contradiction in this type of filmmaking) exploits as it condemns. Not one of the cardboard characters who impacts Merek's downward spiral has many (or any) redeemable qualities-most are manipulative, self-centered and cruel. Merek's youthful good looks and unsinkable innocence keep us watching, while his father's search for his prodigal son gives us hope. One wonders why a filmmaker would become obsessed with the world of young male hustlers and wicked male predators. Is this one self loathing homosexual's effort to paint a picture of modern Babylon through an exploration of his own desires? Or greed? (Or both?) Imagine what this director could do with a good script. Rent, don't buy.
Rating: 
Summary: What a disappointment ...
Review: I have watched this film partially upon recommendation of reviews and must say I have been deeply disappointed. The film was badly made and poorly acted. The story, while sad, was completely irrealistic, the depiction of the characters superficial and far from any reality as well, the dialogues trivial if not stupid. This is not a film I can recommend to an educated audience which is used to a certain intellectual standard. It's - to use one "mean" word - East Bloc. What made things worse is that I could at no moment relate to the main character: He is not a poor little boy who is drawn into the hustler/porn scene by circumstances. He is a stubborn youngster who runs away from a loving home and from school, who actively looks for the hustler scene, but who is not intelligent enough to survive- first he has the old man (whatever his name is, Monza or something like that) take advantage of him, then another hustler. The film bores you, it is not drastic or realistic or strong at all (like I hoped it would be). Honestly, I watched the last hour or so in fast forward mode.
Rating: 
Summary: Sad indeed....
Review: It's a very honest and sad "documentary". It reflects a side that's quite similar to the lives of the go-go boys at Bangkok. Worth viewing.
Rating:
Summary: Duplicate/dramatic work by director of "Body Without Soul"
Review: The director of this film (Wiktor Grodecki) also did the documentary exposé "Body Without Soul" just one year earlier in 1996. Before you read further (or order this film), I suggest you go and rent/buy that DVD first. "Mandragora" attempts to dramatize 97% of the content in "Body..." The story is simple (and almost cliché for cinema, but not for real life). Teenage boy (Marek) is fed up with school and his single father; who, incidently, obviously only wants his boy to have a better life than he. Marek becomes a local punk/hoodlum and, in fact, the movie begins with his breaking into a store display window. Still, the father even takes extra measures to deal with authority figures after his son's mischieviousness. Regardless, Marek runs away on a train to Prague and, upon leaving the train, is targeted for induction into the seedy underworld of prostitution in Prague. He's drugged, molested, paid...and in with the game. He soon befriends David, who has high business hopes, but little experience to see them to fruition. David helps free him of the pimp that found him at the train station. Oh...and it should be mentioned that the drama includes no actual prostitution or [simulated] sex. In fact, they soon have 30,000 czech crowns[],and you literally have to assume they got it through prostitution. All along, we see their adventures through Marek's eyes. The bars, the prostitution, understanding the pimps and the johns...all of these things are matters of course. They move from being initial 'rabbits' (newcomers/fresh) to professionals, to entrepreneurs and ultimately into pornography. The movie is often slow. It actually takes 35 minutes for Marek to realize that he's becoming a prostitute...the actual point of the movie. On top of that, the images are generally dark and the translations are poorly done. In many cases, you often wonder what the heck they meant by certain statemtents. Also, the continuity is horrible. You never really know when and/or where they are in the story. Then, suddenly they are sick with AIDS...after what seems like days or a few short weeks. (While AIDS takes months to physically effect the body) Most unfortunate is that this movie is almost Plageuristic (?) of Wictor Grodecki's own earlier work "Body Without Soul." He simply added actors acting out some of the scenes from the documentary... The only truly GOOD part of the movie was played by the father. He showed true emotion, longing, etc. that indicated that 'this is a man who is desperately seeking his son.' He learns what his son has become and goes after the boy. And, one of the few really great scenes in the movie involves him (toward the very end). I suggest you RENT this one and buy "Body Without Soul." It's more honest and true...and you'll appreciate the story and the concept more.
Rating:
Summary: Duplicate/dramatic work by director of "Body Without Soul"
Review: The director of this film (Wiktor Grodecki) also did the documentary exposé "Body Without Soul" just one year earlier in 1996. Before you read further (or order this film), I suggest you go and rent/buy that DVD first. "Mandragora" attempts to dramatize 97% of the content in "Body..." The story is simple (and almost cliché for cinema, but not for real life). Teenage boy (Marek) is fed up with school and his single father; who, incidently, obviously only wants his boy to have a better life than he. Marek becomes a local punk/hoodlum and, in fact, the movie begins with his breaking into a store display window. Still, the father even takes extra measures to deal with authority figures after his son's mischieviousness. Regardless, Marek runs away on a train to Prague and, upon leaving the train, is targeted for induction into the seedy underworld of prostitution in Prague. He's drugged, molested, paid...and in with the game. He soon befriends David, who has high business hopes, but little experience to see them to fruition. David helps free him of the pimp that found him at the train station. Oh...and it should be mentioned that the drama includes no actual prostitution or [simulated] sex. In fact, they soon have 30,000 czech crowns[],and you literally have to assume they got it through prostitution. All along, we see their adventures through Marek's eyes. The bars, the prostitution, understanding the pimps and the johns...all of these things are matters of course. They move from being initial 'rabbits' (newcomers/fresh) to professionals, to entrepreneurs and ultimately into pornography. The movie is often slow. It actually takes 35 minutes for Marek to realize that he's becoming a prostitute...the actual point of the movie. On top of that, the images are generally dark and the translations are poorly done. In many cases, you often wonder what the heck they meant by certain statemtents. Also, the continuity is horrible. You never really know when and/or where they are in the story. Then, suddenly they are sick with AIDS...after what seems like days or a few short weeks. (While AIDS takes months to physically effect the body) Most unfortunate is that this movie is almost Plageuristic (?) of Wictor Grodecki's own earlier work "Body Without Soul." He simply added actors acting out some of the scenes from the documentary... The only truly GOOD part of the movie was played by the father. He showed true emotion, longing, etc. that indicated that 'this is a man who is desperately seeking his son.' He learns what his son has become and goes after the boy. And, one of the few really great scenes in the movie involves him (toward the very end). I suggest you RENT this one and buy "Body Without Soul." It's more honest and true...and you'll appreciate the story and the concept more.
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