Of Parents and Children

What are the things which unite and divide a 40-year-old son, currently in a trouble-free relationship, and his aging father, a former scientist whose memory is burdened by two wars and a host of other historical and private absurdities? The bond which has been developing between them for over 40 years has its distressing yet also humorous moments, its obligations and even its mysteries – and it’s still not certain that they can avoid making the same mistakes again and again… Experienced director Vladimír Michálek creates a bitter-sweet comedy from a seemingly banal situation, where father and son go on a walk together through the magical urban landscape of Prague. The story wends its way through the generations, from the family’s private “little” past to major events in 20th century history. This intelligent, fresh and compelling film, inspired by the novel by leading contemporary writer Emil Hakl (awarded the Magnesia Litera Prize), offers subtle yet rousing performances from Josef Somr (Father) and David Novotný (Son).