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Czech Republic · 2001
Rated PG-13 · 1h 35m
Director Vladimír Michálek
Starring Vlastimil Brodský, Stella Zázvorková, Stanislav Zindulka, Ondřej Vetchý
Genre Family, Comedy, Drama
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A bittersweet comedy about Fanda, an old man who refuses to grow up. Despite pleas from his exasperated wife who wants him to make serious decisions about the future, Fanda ignores the nagging and spends his days seeking amusement and adventure.
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The reconciliatory finale comes with a sad footnote: Czech New Wave veteran Brodsky killed himself shortly after the film was released in his native country –- an eerie rebuke to the movie's spunky and life-affirming vision of old age.
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
Provides a compassionate look at problems of old age that Hollywood rarely bothers to treat seriously.
Washington Post by Desson Thomson
Though the story line seems grim at times, it's always made lighter by Brodsky's gentle, often hilarious presence.
The trio is so individually and collectively charismatic that the film eventually neglects fully fleshed-out narrative in favor of sublime characterization.
New York Daily News by Elizabeth Weitzman
Brodsky's last film before his death is a moving tribute to his career.
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
The film will almost certainly speak most strongly to those viewers whose age approximates those of the characters, but the narrative and performances are strong enough to involve anyone who gives this motion picture a chance.
A mud bath of sentiment, strained speechifying, and gloppy music.
Warm and thoughtful tale.
The New York Times by Stephen Holden
Mr. Brodsky's final screen performance in one of his richest roles finds overlapping layers of humor and pathos.
The result is a charming mix of Walter Mitty and "About Schmidt."