Skrítek

This is a clever film - not a conventional comedy/drama, although it tells a fairly ordinary family story. It's mildly absurd and a little over-the-top at times, sometimes even slap-sticky, with a few mystical touches that made little sense to me but added something to the film, I guess. The tone is pretty light most of the time despite the somewhat dreary surroundings. I can almost guarantee you will laugh at least a few times.

There are no subtitles in this Czech-made film because none are needed. There is little dialog but characters don't speak in conventional language - but you completely get what they are saying and the story is very easy to follow. It always adds an extra challenge to telling the story in this universal-language way, but in this case, the filmmaker succeeds brilliantly.

"Skritek" is hilarious. One viewer described it as being like a Czech "Married with Children". I was reminded of "Mr. Bean" and "Benny Hill" and maybe "Delicatessen". Characters talk in grunts and some Czech, but it's a film that has very little dialog and mostly surreal visual gags. It translates into all languages and can be enjoyed by anyone. The directors other film I saw "Cesta Z Mesta"(Out of the City) was good, but didn't translate well outside of Eastern Europe territories. "Shritek" is different. The film follows the daily routine of a dysfunctional family. Dad's a butcher having an affair, mom's an unhappy grocery store clerk (although she tries to smile), the son's a pothead skateboarder in trouble with the law, and the sister is busy trying to contact her Elf friend. That's right throw in a Fellini like Elf who tries to help the family. The film is shown in a very fast speed too, which makes it all the more silly and cartoonish. But be warned, some of the images of dad's job at the slaughter house are very grotesque. I could only find this film on DVD on Czech websites, luckily Demonoid had it. It's a shame such a hilarious, bizarre comedy has never got a DVD distributor in the US. This film would Definitely have a huge cult following if more people new about it. If you enjoyed "Delicatessen", "Tuvalu", "Benny Hill" or Jos Stelling's "De Illusionist" (1984), you'll dig this film. It's a must see for fans of bizarre and absurd comedy.

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:)

Skritek, which means 'Gremlin' in English (dwarf is trpaslik) is worth watching, as it is something quite different. All of the other posts are right in their descriptions, although if you do know Czech you can tell exactly what they are saying, but that isn't important because you can figure it out anyway. Good film, especially if you want something different.

This is also a pretty funny film to watch under the influence of mind altering substances. Especially since it deals with this subject. I would recommend seeing it sober as well, but it always helps when you watch a film like this.