Czech Chillers  [1 April 2009]  By George Tiller  In 1970, two
years after Soviet tanks crushed the “Prague Spring” and
initiated the grim era of “Normalization”, the state run film
studio (Filmove Studio Barrandov) of Czechoslovakia managed to
produce two masterpieces. Both are obviously Czech (great
feasts, good booze and better nudity) and are beautifully
crafted with superb performances. But the similarities end
there. Indeed, purchasing Czech Chillers is like going to the
store to buy a live butterfly and a pair of brass knuckles.  The
live butterfly of this pair is Jaromil Jires’ Valerie and Her
Week of Wonders which is a jaw dropping, surreal trip into
erotic innocence and horror. Valerie, played by the stunning
Jaroslava Schallerova, is a 13-year-old who, after having her
first period, is transformed from an innocent and protected girl
into a much lusted after young virgin. Actually, Valerie isn’t
all that transformed but everyone around her is.  Her stern and
virtuous Grandmother (Helena Anyzova) sud