A new film titled Waves, recently released in Israel, explores the complex resistance movement within Czechoslovakia’s Prague radio station during the crucial period of 1967-1968. Directed by Jirí Mádl, the movie dramatizes true events surrounding the Prague Spring and the subsequent Soviet crackdown, focusing on the lives of two brothers caught amid political turmoil.
The story centers on Tomás, portrayed by Vojtech Vodochodský, and his younger brother Paja, played by Ondrej Stupka. Orphaned and struggling, Tomás is primarily concerned with survival, whereas Paja is actively engaged in opposing Soviet control over their country. Their paths converge at Czechoslovak Radio’s international news department, led by Milan Weiner (Stanislav Majer), a determined news editor known for pushing the boundaries of permissible reporting under the Soviet-influenced regime.
In a turning point, Paja seeks a position at the radio station, prompting Tomás to accompany him and eventually take a job as a technician. The role places Tomás at the heart of a covert battle between truth-telling and political intimidation. He faces immense pressure from government officials to serve as an informer, with threats directed at Paja’s safety. Throughout the film, Tomás walks a dangerous line, giving minimal information to authorities with the aim of protecting both the station’s operation and his brother.
The narrative interweaves personal struggle with the broader historical context, capturing the optimism of dissent alongside the looming threat of Soviet military intervention in 1968. Waves incorporates archival news footage to underscore the convergence of personal and political stakes during this era. It also highlights the inventive methods used by the radio staff to circumvent censorship and continue broadcasting despite stringent government control.
The film’s soundtrack, featuring classic rock and contemporary Czech music of the time, complements the portrayal of youthful energy and rebellion. Critical praise has been directed toward the ensemble cast, with particular note of Vodochodský’s depiction of Tomás’s internal conflict, Majer’s portrayal of the committed news editor, and Tatiana Pauhofová as a resilient translator navigating the fraught environment.
Waves, which served as the Czech Republic’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards, invites reflection on the challenges faced by those resisting authoritarian regimes. Its depiction of the Prague Spring resonates with contemporary events, such as the protests in Iran earlier this year, where calls for regime change have met with severe government repression. The film serves as a reminder of both the power and limitations of grassroots resistance within oppressive political structures, illustrating the harsh reality that, despite significant efforts, the Soviet-backed system remained entrenched in Czechoslovakia for more than two decades after the events depicted.