In this ambitious project of laying bare the lives of a village family over a 30-year period before, during, and after World War I, director Juraj Jakubisko has perhaps lost the outline of the woods in the beauty of each tree. Part I focuses on the ups and downs and the sensual life of an older bricklayer and beekeeper, and Part II focuses on his sons and their involvement in a family flour mill, politics, and World War I.
~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide