CITIZEN HAVEL

Liberty Theatre, today, 3.45 p.m.

Politics – hardly the most appealing of subjects to attract the moviegoer.

However, 'Citizen Havel' is an affectionate and engaging portrayal of the trials and tribulations of the Czech Republic's first President.

Former dissident and leader of the Velvet Revolution, Vaclav Havel, is elected to guide the fledgling democracy through the turbulent 1990s following Czechoslovakia's split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1992.

Havel, who is also a writer and playwright, allowed his friend filmmaker Pavel Koutecky to document his experiences.

What follows is an interesting 'fly on the wall' type portrait of Havel's political and personal challenges.

Whilst a popular man in the street-style leader, he nevertheless admits in the film that many of his countrymen are angry with him as democracy is not moving fast enough. Democracy, he says will be a "victory of love and truth".

"Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred," he says.

'Citizen Havel' follows the President through city allotments, trying to help a group of gardeners, to preparing for a visit by Russian President Boris Yeltsin and accompanying US President Bill Clinton to a jazz cafe.

There are policy meetings with advisors, yes, but also footage of him meeting the Rolling Stones and relaxing at home with his wife and pet dog – he admits he once ate the dog's dinner by accident.

Havel also campaigns for the reopening of intellectual meeting place, the Slavia Cafe, closed for three years. This documentary – filmed over 10 years – provides an intimate look at the life of a political leader shaping a path for his country through the cut and thrust of international politics.

There are also sombre moments, such as the aftermath of the death of his wife Olga.

Filmed without sentimentality, Koutecky and fellow director Miroslav Janek deliver one of the most poignant moments of the film as they capture Havel looking out of a window at his fellow citizens coming to pay their respects.

To conclude, this may not be your first choice of movie genre, but 'Citizen Havel' rewards with a direct, honest account of life in the corridors of power.