Pojedeme k moři

You spend the whole time wondering where this is going and looking for the driving force, and in the end you are moved to tears. As a screenplay and the directorial debut of a young actor whom no one has ever taken seriously, this is a revelation. A small Czech film that has achieved world-class originality with small means, without calculations, and with a desire to tell a powerful story with autobiographical elements. (11/04/2014)

Jiří Mádl surprised me very pleasantly not only by the fact that he shot the film at locations I know well, but mainly by the fact that his film is much more than just a comedy. In fact, it’s not that much of a comedy, and it is more so quite a sensitive probe into the life of one family. A probe that is fun but also touching at the same time, and all of it is combined nicely together. (19/02/2018)

A great achievement by Czech standards and an excellent debut by Jiří Mádl (if there’s anyone who deserves to be promoted to the Czech directors’ elite, it’s him). Although I get that the simplicity of the plot was intentional, it’s almost annoying how totally predictable it is. In spite of my nitpicks, the film's originality is undeniable, and I am sincerely looking forward to Mádl’s next films. Keep them coming. (02/02/2016)

The chosen concept and format isn’t always 100% convincing, but, since I believe that pure and unbridled formalism is the bane of cultural life, because it reduces art to a machine that is or is not well oiled and assembled, I will turn a blind eye to that and I will rate this as a successful début. It’s a human film that, unlike other Czech “human” oriented films, relies on well written dialogues, realistic characters, good performances and also the wisdom of its young creator, who clearly understands that humour doesn’t necessary have to equal embarrassment, as it’s usual in modern Czech movies. Very nice as an entry, next time I hope it’ll be better! 7/10 on a number scale, and as a proud native of Budějovice, rounding down is out of the question. (22/05/2014)

It’s too bad for the somewhat convoluted and forced ending with a point I don't want to reveal. After all, the main revelation could surely have been reached in a different way than by this shock on the verge of emotional blackmail. Otherwise, hats off Jiří Mádl, who I don't like as an actor at all. As a director and writer, though, he succeeded in my opinion. To See the Sea oozes healthy playfulness and enthusiasm, and apart from the point, nothing seems contrived or awkward (seriously, not even the humor). Moreover, I liked the main child actors who really acted, although if they were wooden, it could be easily forgiven and perhaps even considered as an authorial intention, given the home video form of the film. (01/04/2014)