Hair

I may not be a big music fan or expert, so I can't fully appreciate the often praised musical aspect of the film, but the strong anti-war message resonates deeply within me. The final scene, with the endless line of soldiers marching towards the plane and the camera focusing on the main character's face, is one of the most powerful scenes ever in a film with an anti-war theme. It's a snapshot of a time when the word "freedom" was echoed in every corner and the term "flower children" hadn't yet lost its meaning. Overall impression: 80%. (18.06.2006)

I completely and intentionally avoided having any hair for two decades. Not because it's a musical or maybe because of "display of long-haired guys" but because I once suffered watching a classic version. Which is basically a 90s, TV Nova pell-mell variety show where every single excellent but poorly arranged song was followed by at least two terrible ones (and of course poorly arranged too), moreover, the song was so obviously intrusively agitating that perhaps even the hippies would get annoyed. I never wanted to see it again, not even from Forman, though it kept bothering me "what the hell made him do this". After all, if I finally dared to watched. I would say that no other film proves Forman's greatness like this one. To be able make such a nonsense to have at least some meaning and as a result unexpectedly impressive story (you can read the original course of the plot on wikipedia), to focus only on (with one exception) performances, moreover not significantly stylized in terms of music, to change the order of songs, their singers and, in fact, almost everything, it is simply a proof that he could perhaps even transform Olmer's post-revolutionary works "into timeless classics". (08.01.2017)

I'm not a particular admirer of Miloš Forman, who has become a more fashionable filmmaker with each passing year, and knowledge of his complete works makes one a better person. However, since childhood, I have had a love for two of his films, Hair, and Valmont. I feel more or less lukewarm about the rest of his work. Of course, after getting to know his early work, it's much easier to identify his typical traits in his later films, but that's how it is during any process of paying close attention to someone. It is clear beyond all doubt what Milos liked about the whole subject and why he defended the implementation of Hair even anachronistically against the current of time. Miloš gives this musical great humor, the necessary Czech penchant for awkwardness, and, above all, a broad heart that is able to take in all the pains of the Western world. The choreography is very lively, the dialogue flows into it naturally and easily, and it is simply a pleasure to relive those few days before Claude's enlistment and to find out who the plain-haired Berger was. The final point in Nevada chills more than any other contemporary serious drama, and we can laugh through it all from the beginning even. Harmony with a group of free thinkers is universal and does not necessarily appeal to our views on the Vietnam War. The flower youth was not that much different than any before or after it. Having strict or snobbish parents is nothing special because the issues around single motherhood are still the same, as is the attitude toward one's own identity. The Age of Aquarius may have brought with it a certain attitude and style, but Hair was able to bridge the gap of time in the name of friendship. (13.12.2012)

An engaging story, a lovely soundtrack, and a gripping ending. And yet Miloš Forman did not incorporate any divine choreography, unmistakable atmosphere, or anything a period musical should have. And I cannot forgive that, especially since this is not an original work. The songs are perfect, but they are simply arranged one after another, which the fans of the musical would expect, and as they should and must be. And yet there's a lack of surprise, and I only get the divine music, which is unacceptable for a film adaptation. (02.05.2005)

I wanted to watch Hair mainly because it was directed by Miloš Forman. But fair warning—it's a full-on musical. So, if you're into the 70s and 80s hippie vibe, you’ll probably enjoy it more. Personally, I struggled a bit with the music, but the characters totally made up for it. Forman, as always, nails the emotions of each character, so even if the soundtrack didn’t quite grab me, there was plenty to keep me engaged. And honestly, the ending is absolutely worth sticking around for. (05.03.2012)