Skrítek (2005)

A tragicomedy full of slapstick and vignettes, and even an unexpected shootout. A family of villagers moves up in the world - to the county seat. Dad works as a butcher at a meatpacking ... See full summary »

Director:

Tomás Vorel

Writer:

Tomás Vorel

Stars:

Bolek Polívka, Eva Holubová, Tomás Vorel

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bolek Polívka	...	Father
Eva Holubová	...	Mother
Tomás Vorel	...	Policeman #3
Anna Marhoulová	...	(as Anicka Marhoulová)
Jirí Machácek	...	Butcher
Barbora Munzarová
Marika Sarah Procházková	...	(as Marika Procházková)
Ivana Chýlková
Jaroslav Dusek
Milan Steindler	...	Porter
Tomás Hanák	...	Math teacher
Jan Kraus	...	Policeman #1
Petr Ctvrtnícek	...	Policeman #2
Ondrej Trojan	...	Psychiatrist
David Vávra	...	Traffic warden

Storyline

A tragicomedy full of slapstick and vignettes, and even an unexpected shootout. A family of villagers moves up in the world - to the county seat. Dad works as a butcher at a meatpacking plant, mom is a checker at a supermarket. The daughter is at odds with her homeroom teacher, while the son - a vegetarian, anarchist, and avid pothead - is apprenticing as a butcher to please his father. The kid's in hot water with both his forewoman and the police. But dad isn't much of an example, letting himself be tempted by the charms of a lovely young butcher. However much mom tries - visiting the beauty parlor, her psychologist, or even the confessional - her husband shows his interest by moving out. Mom plots revenge. And somehow an imp gets mixed up in it all...

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

Czech Republic

Release Date:

17 March 2005 (Czech Republic)

Also Known As:

El duende

Filming Locations:

Prague, Czech Republic

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ceská Televize, Vorel Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Spun-off from Prazská petka (1989)

User Reviews

A 21th century grotesque

Skritek (which means 'the dwarf' in Czech) is a 21th century grotesque. Gags follow each other in a neverending line, so you are bound to laugh all the time. Don't be scared if there are no subtitles - (being Czech I wasn't) but there is not a single intelligible word whatsoever. The story is told in sounds, movement and gestures, as it should be in a grotesque, and Director Vorel made a great job with the film's stylization.

I'd assess this film with 8.5/10, because the primary objective of a grotesque (to amuse and to keep people laughing) was fully accomplished. However, this genre is not for everyone and I do realize that some people might dislike this movie. Therefore I'm assessing this one with 8, not 9.

I recommend this movie to everyone who doesn't need a film to be inherently grave and deep-going and to everyone who likes to have fun with a movie from time to time.

P.S. Please excuse my possible mistakes in grammar - I am a Czech guy:)