Ikarie XB 1

Obwohl es im Drehbuch von Ikarie XB 1 ein paar Witze gibt, handelt es sich trotzdem um einen ernst gemeinten und vor allem gelungenen Science-Fiction-Film, d. h. um ein Ereignis, das sich in der tschechischen Kinematografie nicht wiederholt hat. Die schaurige Szene mit der Entdeckung und Untersuchung des Schiffes ist eindeutig die beste, das Ende kommt ihr aber in allen Hinsichten gleich. Jindřich Polák war ein großer Visionär, der tschechische Filme im Weltstil gedreht hat. Seine Wirkung hat der Film Ikarie XB 1 auch Liškas Musik und vor allem den Schauspieler*innen zu verdanken. (05.10.2011)

A beautiful example that in history, we have absolutely great sci-fi films that are definitely worthy of attention. It's not just nonsense meant for entertainment; there are also quite profound films that can inspire even fans of old-school sci-fi. I first heard of Voyage to the End of the Universe as a cult film. That’s quite an accurate assessment. Excellent actors, excellent psychology, and superbly handled set designs. (06.11.2014)

In its time, it was world-class smart sci-fi, with decent special effects and spiced up with Czech A-list actors. What impresses more than the quiet plot is the meticulous camera work and its relationship to the surrounding enclosed environment, which in many ways evokes the more recent Space Odyssey and a much purer genre work than many of its successors. A little more pessimism and suspense would have been nice, but there's still plenty to look at, the degradation of ageing threatens Icarus XB 1 and its sympathetic crew only minimally. 75% (02.05.2016)