This wonderful Czech movie is based on Alan Marshall's novel "I can jump puddles" and tells the story of a young boy contracting polio. Although a drama at heart the filmmakers keep a good sense of humor, which adds enormously to the story's charm.
Even though this film aims at a younger audience it is just as moving and entertaining for grown-ups. The story is engaging from the get-go as we see young Adam admiring his father's talent with horses. Like father like son, he too wants to learn how to ride. Unfortunately polio gets in the way and we now follow Adam's fight with the disease.
The shots of the rural landscapes are beautiful and build a sharp contrast with the hospital where Adam is sent. The characters are believable and the relationship between Adam and his father is quite heartbreaking.
When Adam suffers from fever dreams the movie slips into moments of surrealism, which I found quite exceptional for a children's movie. Some good use of slow-motion and different color patterns keep this film also visually interesting. I wasn't too crazy about the music though, which was a little annoying at times.
Overall this is a really good film for kids and the whole family.
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