Based on a novel by Slovak writer Jozef Hronsky, this beautifully produced film fairytale combines a spectacular adventure plot (along with the improbability of events typical for this genre) with fantasy. The film was co-produced by six European countries and directed by Vaclav Vorlicek, who was hugely popular in Poland at the time thanks to the success of TV series "Arabela" and "Létající Čestmír".
The main character, a 12-year-old boy named Tomasz, lives in the woods with his father, sister and grandfather. They look after the horses of Balador, the lord of the nearby castle. Tomasz is a great observer and has vast knowledge of animal behaviour, which leads others to think that he can also communicate with animals. After his father dies, the family moves to the castle. Tomasz is surprised with the behaviour of castle falconer Iwer, who resorts to violence and schemes to get rid of his rival Wagan. A royal falcon wearing a golden badge flies over the woods. Whoever manages to catch it will become the master falconer, which is Iwer's greatest dream. Tomasz knows how to summon the royal falcon, but he does not care about rewards and honours. Meanwhile, Iwer is busy scheming. A great opportunity emerges as Balador's daughter is to be married off to Cedryk. Iwer imprisons the groom and his family in a cave and accuses Tomasz and Wagan of killing them. He presents Cedryk's spur, which he himself planted in Wagan's cabin, as evidence of this. Thanks to Formina, who has warm feelings for Tomasz, the boy manages to escape from prison, but Wagan is sentenced to death. With time running out, Tomasz finds Cedryk and the royal falcon delivers the evidence - the missing spur - in the last moment before the execution. Iwar's scheme gets exposed, and Tomasz and Wagan are acquitted.
Excerpt from the movie
