Renowned Polish director Agnieszka Holland (Europa Europa, the Oscar®-nominated In Darkness, The Wire) created this beautifully made three-part drama for HBO Europe.
Revisiting a pivotal time in Czech history, Burning Bush begins with a shocking act. January, 1969: student Jan Palach sets himself on fire in the middle of Prague to protest Soviet occupation; he dies four days later. Burning Bush explores the aftermath of Palach's sacrifice, government attempts to discredit him, and the struggle of his family, together with a brave attorney, to defend his legacy.
Though focused on this personal tragedy, and using the space afforded to her by the format, Holland brilliantly captures the transformations occurring in Czech society at the time, the spirit of resistance of the people and the gradual resignation in fear of harsher persecution. With a top-notch cast, exquisite cinematography and production design, and its moving portrayal of a struggle against injustice, Burning Bush makes for captivating viewing.