Bad Joke

The story of Zdeněk Troška's new comedy, which was inspired by countless stone jokes, takes us to a peaceful South Bohemian town. A whole range of typically Czech characters and prototype families live here with their unchanging rhythm. For example, the Nováks. Pepa's father is a captain of the city police, his wife Vilma is a teacher, his daughter Julia is studying health, and nine-year-old Pepíček comments in an unspeakable way on everything that is happening around. The boy literally starts to have eyes on top of his head when a noble couple arrives in Kameňákov from England, to whom the local castle was returned as part of the restitution. Nothing is hidden in a small town, and soon everyone knows that the lord has come here to look for his father's treasure. Such news will bring the whole of Kameňákov to its feet and literally keep three local mafia members, the rich Kohn, the handsome chief of police and the experienced criminal, awake. And then things start to happen...

Directed by Zdeněk Troška, Bad Joke leans on a strong ensemble — Václav Vydra, Jana Paulová, Věra Kuchtová — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 2003.