Pojedeme k moři

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)

A nicely made film with amazing and breathtaking performances by the child actors, proving that Jiří Mádl is better behind the camera than in front of it. Although this is his directorial debut, the film offers an unconventional and playful direction of the actors, at times pleasantly amusing, while at others genuinely moving. I was intrigued by the film's concept, which mixed childish detective play with real-life problems that most of us are no strangers to, resulting in a solidly made tragicomedy of life. (08/27/2019)

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)

I didn’t want to go to see To See the Sea in the cinema at all. But then my friend, the reviewer Enšpígl, after watching it in the cinema said I had to go as well and I did. Not that we live in any kind of monarchy or dictatorship, where he would tell me what I must go see in the cinema and what I can’t. Rather, I was surprised that he, who didn’t really like Jiří Mádl because of his political views, suddenly changed his mind and praised him at every step. I wouldn’t expect at all that he would give five stars to this movie. And I certainly wouldn’t expect that I would rate it five stars too. Even though Jiří Mádl does not bother me and never did. In my opinion, this movie is one of the most unique Czech movies I have seen since the Velvet Revolution. However, it’s not just about the Czechs, I simply haven’t watched such an original film in a long time. The whole film was shot on Nikon cameras by two boys, who Jirka supplied only maybe with cucumber-less snacks. And they did great. They also won me over not only by the acting performances, the story that reminded me of my childhood and the stories of my childhood friends several times, but also by the love for movies and a huge tribute to Miloš Forman. This is really a great movie. (05/11/2014)

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)