Of Parents and Children

This adaptation of Emil Hakl’s award-winning 2002 Czech novel provides an original take on the relationship between fathers and sons. The quotidian interaction between nonchalant forty-year-old Syn (Novotn_) and his retired father (Somr) perfectly captures the awkward companionship and heartache typical of most conventional family relationships.  A twist to the tale is presented by the emergence of an illegitimate grandson, unbeknown to Syn until a year beforehand, who pays an unexpected visit to Syn’s girlfriend Marta (Kroftova).

Eloquently weaving together the two parallel stories, the film reveals striking similarities between the three male protagonists and also presents some superb comedic and tender moments which capably draw together director Michálek’s carefully formed observations on love, life and family.