Czech Comedy “Dream Team” Sparks Debate and Box Office Success
The new Czech sports comedy, Dream Team, which premiered on January 1, 2026, is already making waves, attracting both critical attention and a strong audience response. The film currently holds a 78% rating on film databases and is generating discussion online.
From Paralympic Scandal to Silver Screen
The film’s origins lie in a real-life scandal that unfolded at the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney. The Spanish basketball team’s gold medal was revoked after it was discovered that most of its players did not have disabilities. Actor Jakub Prachař brought this story to screenwriter Petr Kolečko, who crafted a fictional narrative inspired by the event.
A Unique Collaboration: Prachař, Kolečko, and Hofmann
Dream Team is a Czech-Slovak co-production starring Martin Hofmann and Jakub Prachař. Prachař is not only an actor in the film but similarly a producer, alongside Petra Brocková and Juraj Brocko. The screenplay is based on a story developed by Prachař. The film was shot in multiple locations, including Opava, Turkey (standing in for Sydney), and Rio de Janeiro.
The Plot: A Father’s Love and a Controversial Plan
The story centers on Marek, a basketball coach played by Martin Hofmann, who struggles to advance his team. His son, Šimon, who has an intellectual disability, dreams of competing in the Paralympics. Faced with the challenge of finding enough eligible players, Marek is presented with a radical and ethically questionable solution by his neighbor, Daniel (Jakub Prachař): recruit able-bodied players to feign disabilities.
Jakub Prachař’s Bold Performance
Prachař’s portrayal of Daniel, an eccentric and unconventional character, has been a focal point of discussion. Some critics believe his performance is a career highlight, while others suggest it lacks directorial restraint. Regardless, his performance is described as memorable, and polarizing. Prachař stars alongside his real-life partner, Sara Sandeva, adding a personal dynamic to the on-screen chemistry.
Hofmann’s Strength Anchors the Film
Martin Hofmann’s performance as Marek is considered the anchor of the film. His strong presence provides a grounding force against Prachař’s more flamboyant portrayal. The dynamic between the two actors is a key element of the film’s appeal.
Ethical Dilemmas and Comedic Chaos
Dream Team explores themes of ethics, parental devotion, and the pressure to win. The film’s premise, rooted in a real-life scandal, avoids being simply offensive by presenting the situation as a chaotic and absurd comedy. The film asks viewers to consider how far someone might go to fulfill a loved one’s dream.
FAQ
What is “Dream Team” about?
It’s a Czech comedy about a basketball coach who tries to help his son achieve his Paralympic dream by assembling a team of players who pretend to have disabilities.
Is the film based on a true story?
Yes, the film is inspired by a scandal at the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney involving the Spanish basketball team.
Who stars in “Dream Team”?
The film stars Martin Hofmann, Jakub Prachař, Petra Polnišová, and Miroslav Krobot, among others.
Where was the film shot?
Filming took place in the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Brazil.
Sources: csfd.cz, novinky.cz, denik.cz
