Jan Žižka

Jan Žižka

Year: 1956

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: Czech

Director: Otakar Vávra

WarDramaHistory

The second part of the revolutionary Hussite trilogy takes place in the years 1419-1420.

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Timeline & Setting – Jan Žižka (1956)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Jan Žižka (1956). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

15th century (1419-1420)

Set during the Hussite Wars in Bohemia, the narrative runs through a period of religious upheaval and noble resistance. It begins with Hus's execution and escalates as royal and papal pressure seeks to suppress reform movements. The climactic battles near Sudoměř and the march toward Tábor anchor the historical scope of the film.

Location

Bohemia, Prague, Tábor, Vyšehrad, Sudoměř, Old Town Hall, Zbraslav Monastery, Sezimovo Ústí

The story unfolds across medieval Bohemia, centering on Prague and its surrounding towns. Key locations include Vyšehrad and the Old Town, where power struggles and uprisings ignite, and Tábor becomes a distant destination for the Hussites. Temples, monasteries, and royal courts set the backdrop for religious and political conflict that shapes the era.

🏰 Bohemia 🕰️ Medieval era 🏛️ Prague and Vyšehrad

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:39

Main Characters – Jan Žižka (1956)

Meet the key characters of Jan Žižka (1956), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Johanka (Marie Tomášová)

A loyal servant who travels through Bohemia after Hus’s execution and guides fugitives to forbidden sermons in the mountains. Her group is ambushed by lordly forces, and she narrowly escapes captivity, showing resilience and resourcefulness amid persecution.

🧭 Leader 🕊️ Faithful 🗺️ Explorer

Jan Žižka z Trocnova

A bold and strategic figure who rises as the Hussite leader after the mob gains strength. He becomes a unifying force for the insurgents, guiding them through political intrigue and battlefield engagements toward a climactic victory.

⚔️ Military Leader 🧭 Strategist 🗡️ Warrior

Václav Koranda - Priest

A radical priest who mobilizes Hussite sympathizers from Prague, shaping the religious and ideological drive of the rebellion. He serves as a catalyst for collective action and spiritual justification of the uprising.

✝️ Religious Figure 🧭 Ideological Catalyst 🗺️ Organizer

King Václav IV (Karel Höger)

The king under pressure from Sigismund and the Pope, who bans gatherings and orders confiscation of weapons. His volatile decisions and sudden death influence the course of the conflict and the legitimacy of the crackdown.

👑 Royal Authority ⚖️ Political Pressure 🕊️ Consequence

Prokůpek - Student

A student captured during the crackdown along with other Prague youths, illustrating the indiscriminate reach of royal enforcement and the brutality of suppression. His captivity underscores the personal cost of the conflict for ordinary citizens.

🎓 Student ⚖️ Injustice 🗡️ Struggle

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:39

Major Themes – Jan Žižka (1956)

Explore the central themes of Jan Žižka (1956), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕯️ Faith vs Power

Religious conviction drives both the Hussite uprising and the opposing authorities. The movement, led by charismatic preachers and devout followers, challenges established church authority. The clash tests which form of belief will prevail: spiritual reform or institutional domination.

⚔️ Leadership and Rebellion

Johanka’s perseverance and Jan Žižka’s rise to leadership illustrate how a disparate group can cohere into a fighting force. The film tracks how decisive, radical action reshapes a city and inspires others to join. Obstacles from noble betrayal to battlefield hardships test their resolve.

🪙 Class Conflict

The uprising arises from a widening gap between oppressed commoners and the powerful nobility and merchants. Secret deals and executions reveal how economic interests influence political loyalty. The story highlights how ordinary people are drawn into a struggle that reshapes social order.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:39

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Grim historical uprisings like Jan Žižka

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a relentless build-up of tension through a series of conflicts, leading to a decisive, hard-won battle. However, the climax is not purely celebratory; it is undercut by the deaths of key characters or the stark realization that the war is far from over, resulting in a poignant, bittersweet resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared emotional arc: a high-stakes, fast-paced war narrative culminating in a victory that feels simultaneously necessary and tragic. They blend heavy emotional weight with a FAST pacing and a BITTERSWEET ending feel, creating a powerful and reflective viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of Jan Žižka

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Jan Žižka Summary

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Jan Žižka Summary

Jan Žižka Timeline

Track the full timeline of Jan Žižka with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Jan Žižka Timeline

Jan Žižka Spoiler-Free Summary

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Jan Žižka Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Jan Žižka

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