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)

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)

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. (11.05.2014)

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)

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% (26.02.2015)

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. (27.08.2019)

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)