Telo Bez Duse (Czech) (Documentary) [Body Without Soul]

This film portrays the one of the oldest tragedies in the public: Child prostitution. It shows the problems of living on the street, at such young age and how you get exploited. Although this specific documentary focuses on the city of Prague, but I cant imagine the situation being any different in a lot of other places. This graphic film depicts the appalling process by which young prepubescence and teen age boys in Prague are so skillfully lured into the eviscerated life of a male prostitute.

This documentary came out in 1996 and interview about 6-8 boys in the age range of 14-17 and their experiences. Each of the boy is asked same questions as to how did they come to Prague, how did they start and why, what are their challenges, issues that they face and the AIDS issue hanging over their head. Every single boy's story is very similar on how they are exploited by older gay men for their pleasure but they also admit that its the easiest money that they can make. They are ultimately lured into porn business and candid conversations with the film maker Pavel Rousek, who makes these films gives us a better insight into what really happens. The final question involves the boys perception of 'soul' and the overall message is that these lads sell their bodies as a career, but the soul is 'what you think', something that cannot be taken from you.

As a documentary, this is as real as it gets when dealing with a sensitive subject like this. And based on the subject material from this documentary, a film 'Mandragora' was also made which I had reviewed on my blog almost 10 years ago. This film is not easy top watch. There are difficult conversations but despite that hearing similar answers on the same questions 7-8 times dilute the overall impact of the documentary. If I could, I would edit this film , make it crisp and I think the message that needs to reach the audience will have a more powerful impact. The film can also be a introspection for teens who sometimes think that prostitution is a quick money and plentiful entertainment.

I would hesitate to recommend this documentary to a casual viewer. Its the old story of man's inhumanity to man. But despite that the documentary needs to be watched at least once. Its sickening, disturbing yet a truth of our society that we live in. (5/10)

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