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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)

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. (04/11/2014)

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. (02/19/2018)

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. (04/01/2014)

Great debut! It kept me waiting throughout to see how the story would unfold, and the conclusion had me deep in my seat with its power and unexpectedness. A small, unassuming story, whose individual pieces are not only in perfect harmony with the reality of ordinary childhood life, but are also so impressively filmed that, hand in hand with the superb composition of the scenes, the whole film is almost world-class. A beautiful tribute to cinema, family, friendship and České Budějovice, the beauty of which Mádl and the cinematographer use to great effect. A film of basically invaluable character.. :))) 80% (02/26/2015)