The Idealist

Story

Synopsis

The movie based upon the classical Slovene novel Martin Kačur, depicts the clash between the teacher Martin Kačur and his conservative environment. Due to his progressive ideas, he is transferred to a small town. The village environment is even more depressing than his former surroundings were, as the influence of both the secular and the Church authorities is even greater in the country. Even though Martin meets Tončka and the two of them get married, he gradually becomes a disillusioned and embittered man. In time, when society's strictures become somewhat milder, Martin is transferred to a more friendly environment, but all the injustices he has experienced have already bitten too deep. Unlike his wife, Martin finds it very difficult to accept changes. When his son dies, it seems as though he has lost all his elan and the will to live. Will he be able to go on bringing the light of knowledge to the ignorant masses, or will his ideals be buried forever like a man in a snowdrift?

Director

Igor Pretnar

Writers

Vitomil Zupan, Igor Pretnar, Ivan Cankar

Language

Slovene

Country

Yugoslavia

Release date

14 April 1976

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Radko Polič

  Martin Kačur

• 

  Milena Zupančič

  Tončka

• 

  Dare Ulaga

  Ferjan

• 

  Stevo Žigon

  Priest from Zapolje

• 

  Arnold Tovornik

  Priest from Blatni Dol

• 

  Bert Sotlar

  Mayor from Blatni Dol

• 

  Janez Albreht

  Grajžar

• Marjeta Gregorač

  Minka

• Janez Bermez

• Maks Bajc

• Marija Benko

• Janez Rohaček

  Teacher from Zapolje