Goat (2015)
A stark, quietly devastating Slovak drama about a former Olympic boxer who endures punishment in the ring to earn money and save his family.
Goat - Movie Information
- Original Title: Koza
- Release Year: 2015
- Directed by: Ivan Ostrochovský
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 15m
- Original Language: Slovak
- Spoken Languages: Czech, English, German, Slovak
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 10, 2015 (SK)
- Production Companies: Sentimentalfilm, Endorfilm, Česká televize, RTVS, Punkchart films
- Production Countries: Czech Republic, Slovakia
Goat - Plot
Peter "Koza" Baláz is a former Olympic boxer. He and his partner, Misa, live in a dilapidated housing estate, constantly struggling to make ends meet. Misa learns that she is expecting a child and decides to terminate her pregnancy. In order to earn some much-needed cash and possibly change Misa's mind. He and his manager Zvonko embark on a "tour", where success is not measured in victories, but in the amount of blows that Koza can take.
Goat - Trailer
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Goat - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ivan Ostrochovský
Main Cast
- Peter Baláž
- Zvonko Lakčevič
- Ján Franek
- Stanislava Bongilajová
- Nikola Bongilajová
- Tatiana Piussi
Writers
- Ivan Ostrochovský
- Marek Leščák
Producers
- Jiří Konečný
- Ivan Ostrochovský
- Marek Urban
Goat - FAQs
What is Goat (2015) about?
Goat follows Peter "Koza" Baláž, a former Olympic boxer living in poverty with his partner Misa. When Misa discovers she is pregnant and plans to terminate the pregnancy, Koza and his manager Zvonko set out on a circuit of fights — not to win, but to absorb punishment for cash.
Is Goat based on a true story?
Yes. The film is inspired by the real life of Slovak boxer Peter Baláž, who plays himself on screen. Director Ivan Ostrochovský blurs the line between documentary and fiction, grounding the narrative in Baláž's actual circumstances and lived experience in a Slovak housing estate.
Why does Koza let himself get beaten in the film?
Koza deliberately absorbs punishment in arranged fights because the payment depends on how long he can endure, not on winning. It is a calculated act of desperation — he needs money urgently to support Misa and, he hopes, to persuade her to continue the pregnancy rather than terminate it.
Is Goat a documentary or a fiction film?
Goat occupies a compelling space between both modes. Director Ivan Ostrochovský cast the real Peter Baláž to portray a version of himself, using a stark, observational visual style reminiscent of documentary filmmaking. The result is a hybrid work that feels intensely authentic while following a scripted dramatic arc.
Who directed Goat (2015)?
Goat was directed by Ivan Ostrochovský, a Slovak filmmaker known for his austere, visually precise approach to storytelling. He co-wrote the screenplay with Marek Leščák and also served as a producer on the film, which marked a significant early work in his critically recognized career.
When was Goat released?
Goat had its release in Slovakia on September 10, 2015. The film premiered on the international festival circuit and gained recognition for its minimalist style and powerful central performance, drawing attention to contemporary Slovak cinema on a broader European stage.
What are similar films to Goat (2015)?
Viewers drawn to Goat often appreciate other boxing dramas grounded in human struggle, such as Rocky (1976), Raging Bull (1980), Cinderella Man (2005), and Rocky Balboa (2006). Like Goat, these films use the sport as a lens for exploring resilience, sacrifice, and the weight of personal circumstance.
How long is Goat (2015)?
Goat has a runtime of 75 minutes, making it a concise and tightly constructed drama. Its brevity is part of its power — Ivan Ostrochovský strips the narrative down to its essentials, leaving little room for sentiment and allowing the film's stark imagery and silence to carry emotional weight.
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