The King of Šumava is an enthralling adaptation of David Jan Žák’s acclaimed novel The Return of the Šumava King.
Set against the backdrop of post-war Czechoslovakia in the spring of 1948, the story follows the gripping journey of Josef Hasil, a 24-year-old cook in the National Security Corps. Having survived the war in a German labour camp and fought alongside partisans, Hasil has no interest in politics. However, as the Iron Curtain descends, the rapidly closing borders and looming fears of World War III thrust him into the perilous world of smuggling. Hasil’s unparalleled knowledge of the Šumava mountains enables him to navigate the treacherous path from East to West, making him an invaluable asset to those seeking freedom.
The series meticulously recreates this tense period, drawing from Hasil’s personal memories, eyewitness testimonies, and archival documents, bringing a true story of resilience and courage to life.
