Little Otik (Otesanek) [DVD]

Before you read everything from the eggheads who like to treat every Czech movie as if it were a profound work of art, realize that "Little Otík" is mainly a funny story, filled with typical Czech sarcasm.It's based on an old Czech fairytale about a human-shaped tree root that is adopted as a child by parents who can't conceive. As it grows, it starts eating all the food the parents can provide, and then turns to eating people, all very innocently. It devours the social worker sent by authorities to check on how it's being cared for; it eats the mailman; you name it.One thing that makes this retelling of the story comical is the very modern way the parents rationalize the cannibalistic little brat's destructiveness. When the mother is caring for it one day, it starts pulling her hair in an attempt to get her closer and eat her up. Naturally, the mother is terrified, and the father rescues her, but minutes afterward, while fixing her ruined hairdo, she sweetly rationalizes, "Otík's right! I DO look better with short hair!" She similarly has rationalizations to justify his eating the social worker, the mailman and other victims. The father becomes determined to stop the whole thing, but when he can't keep himself from softening up and forgiving his "son", he gets eaten too. Who hasn't met a bad kid whose parents similarly defend his destructiveness?From other reviews of this film, by people who are too serious for their own good, you'd never know that this is mainly a gut-busting dark comedy meant to be enjoyed more than philosophized about.

It's not one of the happy fairy tales, either, more like those Brothers Grimm stories that people don't read to kids. Also, the fairy tale has moved into a gritty, grubby urban setting.The Horaks, Karel and his wife, desperately want a baby but can never have one of their own. Gepetto-like, Karel creates a doll from a piece of wood, and the doll comes to life. Otik isn't a cute little Pinocchio, though, it's a monster that shatters his "mother's" mind and takes over the Horaks' lives.The little girl next door, Alzbetka somehow becomes the narrator and muse of the story. She controls the story twards the end, and sets the stage for the fairy-tale finish - but don't look for a "happily ever after."Svankmajer's stop-action animation is only a small part of this movie, and a little rough and jerky at times. It is very expressive, though, and that its real purpose. It works well with the live actors and scenes to create a strong, consistent visual experience.I've never seen Svankmajer's work before. After this dark but enjoyable introduction, I look forward to seeing a lot more.//wiredweird

Movie is really cool and has good humor and enough bizarre in it to keep you interested througjout

Love it! Weird..

This is the most unique movie you'll ever see! Quirky, intriquing, it will have you wondering at each twist and turn "How will they ever resolve THIS situation?" If you've ever known a childless couple - who really want a child, this movie is for you; If you are simply a fan of the unique and bizarre, this movie is for you. Our favorite!

This "movie" was the worst thing I've seen in ages! It was stupid, gory, and long. I couldn't force myself to make it to the end, but what I did sit through was terrible! I don't know what movie everyone else saw, but this thing really stunk! A woman wants a baby, her husband makes one out of wood. It comes alive, eats the cat and neighbors, leaving blood and bones - then, a little girl "befriends" it. I kid you not. The "animation" is pathetic, and the story is putrid. Excuse me, as I will now go and try to erase it from my memory! P.U.!

I adored this movie, I love old folklore tales like these, sweet and scary a true fairytale.......

If you like strange, whimsical, horrific, surreal and comedic films-this is definitely for you! Based on Czech folklore this film brings to life a modern adaptation to the children's tale. Cozy up with a buddy or sweetheart and dig in to some popcorn for this sweet and gritty treat!

I came across this from a recommendation of a friend. A truly unique and wonderful dark fairy tale of a film. Little Otik comes to a couple who cannot have children - dug from the earth by his 'father'. Little Otik has tastes which cannot be controlled and it gets harder to restrain him the bigger he gets. Throw in some curious neighbours and couple this with the brilliant stop motion animation and you have a winner of a film. A real treasure and one I would wholeheartedly recommend to others.

Obwohl es nur ein ganz kleines Studio ist, produzieren sie einwandfreie Filme. Dieser war HERVORRAGEND! Einfach super!Die Bild- und Tonqualität ist auch sehr gut.Ein paar kleine Mängel:-Es gibt nur eine Sprache, die ich nicht verstehe (womöglich tschechisch)-Es gibt nur englische UntertitelDas wars. Aber da ich Englisch gut verstehe war es kein Problem!

This Czech film is very strange indeed. It is also hugely enjoyable.

Bewertung ist ausreichend. Sie können nicht erwarten, dass ich zu jedem Artikel eine Rezension mit langem Text schreibe. Ändern sie es bitte !

Huge fan of all things Svankmajer!!! Bonkers, brilliant and a welcome asset to my collection!!!