The prolific Czech director-writer duo Jan Hřebejk and Petr Jarchovský (Divided We Fall) return to top form with this viciously compelling Slovak-language satire. Set in Bratislava during the final decade of Communism, it examines the abuse of power at a middle school. Zuzana Mauréry tears into the part of a lifetime as a terrifyingly passive-aggressive teacher, Mrs. Drazdechová, who happens to be a bigwig in the local Communist party. She shamelessly exploits pupils and parents alike in return for dispensing generous grades.

The action cleverly cuts between two strands that ultimately join together. One kicks off at the beginning of the 1983 school year, as Mrs. Drazdechová introduces herself to a new class; several months later the principal convenes a secret meeting with the parents to discuss an initially unspecified incident and see who will support an official complaint.

Without trivializing these weighty matters, Jarchovský's script is leavened with welcome humor and irony. As usual, Hřebejk's direction is smooth and the ensemble performances top-notch.

Winner: Best Actress, Karlovy Vary