A Slovak Thelma & Louise with a touch of Fellini and Kusturica

Jakubisko's "It's better to be Wealthy and Healthy, than Poor and Ill", is a cinematic joy from start to finish. Often it is described as being the Thelma & Louise of Eastern Europe. Sort of, but it's more of a slapstick tragicomedy with Surreal elements. The Story takes place in 1989, around the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia. Nona the main character is Slovak, and she befriends Ester who is Czech. Nona is pregnant and abandoned by her politician boyfriend, because he doesn't want a kid. The other man she sees comes around from time to time, but avoids commitment. Ester also has bad luck with her communist activist boyfriend. Immediately the two ladies hit it off and become roommates, but survival is tough in a post cold war country; so they resort to crime. Their next door neighbor is an old nun, who stops bye to check on them and sometimes even to party with them too. Nona and Ester have many misadventures and road trips. They get involved with stealing, prostitution, stripping or whatever means necessary to survive. Usually they trick men by stealing their wallets, and running off without ever having sex with them (so their not really prostitutes, but more of thieves) Things get better for them when they rob a truck driver, who sells people broken electronics from the black market. He has millions, which they take from him at gunpoint. From that point on their lives change both for the better and worse. Of course the film is funny, sad, surreal and all heart at the same time, as of most eastern European comedies. With colorful characters, dreamlike images and political satire, Jakubisko has been compared to Fellini and Emir Kusturica. So the film is kind of like Thelma & Louise, but more so for the oppressed, poor and struggling working class. This film is so much fun, and is the last film in Jakubisko's Trilogy of happiness. If you can find a copy, your guaranteed a unique movie experience. 10/10

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

Lepsie byt bohaty a zdravy ako chudobny a chory

In post-cold war Bratislava, two female best friends go their own way, trying everything from soft porn and robbery to make money.

It's Better to Be Wealthy and Healthy Than Poor and Ill (1992)

It's Better to Be Wealthy and Healthy Than Poor and Ill

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood's perfect pairs.

Hollywood Power Couples

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

It's Better to Be Healthy and Wealthy Than Poor and Ill

Deana Horváthová and Dagmar Havlová in It's Better to Be Wealthy and Healthy Than Poor and Ill (1992)

Deana Horváthová in It's Better to Be Wealthy and Healthy Than Poor and Ill (1992)

Vilma Jamnická and Dagmar Havlová in It's Better to Be Wealthy and Healthy Than Poor and Ill (1992)

It's Better to Be Wealthy and Healthy Than Poor and Ill

Photos4

Top Cast15

User reviews1

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Box office

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed