The Priest's Children

A folk comedy and exactly the type of film Zdeněk Troška will never make. This is a film that has a lot of humor flowing from the screen. I have never seen such imaginatively-processed running-jokes. Yet what surprises me most is that most films like this lose steam in the second third, only to moralize in the final third. Here they keep it going to the very end. A standing ovation for the filmmakers is well deserved. (07/04/2013)

The first half of the movie is great, maybe the best comedy of this year. Unfortunately, in the second half, the comedy turns into a tragicomedy, which is where the movie starts losing steam. Although I expected a little more, it is quite a relaxing comedy/drama set on a small Croatian island. 5 stars for the first half, 3 for the second, so a 4 overall seem fair. “It's either a tycoon or a Mafioso.” – “It's the Bishop.” (11/29/2013)

The specifically Balkan sense of humor is palpable in this successful comedy. I wasn't expecting much from the film, so I'm pleasantly surprised at how good it was. I really had a great time with it, despite the tragic storyline at the end. I have to appreciate the plot, which worked wonderfully in conjunction with the church. I would also like to mention that the musical accompaniment was extremely good. (75%) (07/31/2020)

Svećenikova djeca (The Priest's Children) is one of the best tragicomedies I've ever seen, if not the best. The comedy/farce made me cackle, only to have everything instantly turn into a drama with an unexpectedly human dimension. I don't know if any film has ever evoked such a mixed bag of emotions in me. Plus, as a militant atheist, I was pleased that the filmmakers weren't afraid to attack the Holy Church, which is in desperate need of criticism. A great character was the local pharmacist/nationalist, who would do anything for his Croatia. I liked the whole mixture very much and had a great time again today on my second viewing. (08/17/2017)

A million-dollar idea set on a picturesque Croatian coast. Sunny exteriors, a relaxing atmosphere conveyed in a fresh Balkan manner, comical characters, humor of both a plebeian and intelligent nature (great jabs at the Church). A perfect break from super-serious festival dramas, as well as tasteful and at a high filmmaking level. (07/05/2013)