Polish Movie Reviews

by Richard J. Brzostek

A Very Christmas Story (Swiateczna Przygoda) (2000) Director: Dariusz Zawislak; A Very Christmas Story (Swiateczna Przygoda) is a Christmas movie that is a bit on the childish side or maybe a bit like a B movie. The story begins with Death requesting some time off to take a vacation. A new guy is sent in who is still learning the ropes of being Death. He is goofy and awkward, but that also adds to the humor of the story. He is sent to take people out but isn't good at getting there on time so he keeps missing his target. To make this a Christmas story for kids, there is also a young girl from an orphanage that is looking for Santa Claus. She finds a cute dog on the street on her adventure in the city. To add some action, we have a man with a suitcase full of money being chased by two goons that want to kill him. Death seems to reach the men too late so none of them die from their efforts. The story is supposed to be set in New York City, but someone in editing overlooked some continuity details. Parts of the movie are filmed in New York and other parts are filmed in Warsaw, and I could tell which parts where which a lot of the time. The New York skyline, Rockefeller Center and Times Square are giveaways for real New York scenes. Parts with the telephone sign spelled "telefon" and a police officer with a Polish eagle on his hat are dead giveaways of the parts filmed in Warsaw (I could have sworn I even saw the Palace of Culture and Science in one of the early shots of the city too). Swiateczna Przygoda has a very goofy type of humor. I have to say that there are some good running jokes that connect well in the movie. I also have to say that it also makes you laugh, but not always for the right reasons (as I am not sure if B movie feeling is has was intentional). If you aren't expecting much or can tolerate B movies, then feel free to check this one out.

Guys Don't Cry (Chlopaki Nie Placza) (2000)

That's Us (To My) (2000)

The movie has a lot of cheaters and hooligans. The circle of friends Agata belongs to has a rival group of punks that are constantly harassing them, including both taunting and physically beating them. Watching this movie you might get the idea that Poland is full of bandits and thugs.

For a teenager, the plot to steal the answers may seem like the ultimate crime; but for the rest of us, it is all a little immature. The rich kid and his friends all border on being irritating. It is hard to feel sorry for any of them except for Agata, who is the most likeable character in the movie. I really liked the ending and it all comes together at the end in a great way and makes up for annoying us from time to time earlier. My guess is To My will appeal most to those who like teen movies.

Zakochani (2000)

After a few chance meetings with a guy named Mateusz, Zosia finds this mysterious guy irresistible. Mateusz has a lot more in common with Zosia than she realizes and he too it taken by her even though he would rather not fall for anyone. Mateusz's friends, one of whom is a lawyer (Olaf Lubaszenko) and the other is his childhood friend (Cezary Pazura), help him capture her heart. As with most romantic comedies, this film borders on being predictable but it is fairly amusing.

Zakochani is Piotr Weresniak's directorial debut (and he also wrote it). He has written a number of films and directed some episodes of television serials. A couple other movies he directed include Stacja (2001) and Zrobmy Sobie Wnuka (2003), which are also both really good. Although I didn't actually laugh at anything in Zakochani, I have to say you may find it entertaining if you don't mind "chick flicks." It probably is more of a romance, albeit atypical, than it is a comedy.

Pan Tadeusz (2000) Director: Andrzej Wajda; "Pan Tadeusz" is a dramatic historical film, based on an epic poem by Adam Mickiewicz. As the film is based on a poem, the characters often speak in rhyme, and often a very proper sounding Polish. "Pan Tadeusz" is in Polish, but many of the words used in the film are not widely used today, so the English subtitles are most helpful. The film is set in the early 19th century, in the years just before Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812. The film is directed by one of Poland's most renowned directors, Andrzej Wajda, and is cast with many of Poland's best actors, such as Daniel Olbrychski. Tadeusz Soplica (Michal Zebrowski) returns from his studies to his uncle's manor in Lithuania. At approximately the same time, Count Horeszko (Marek Kondrat) returns from his travels of Europe to find his family's castle in disrepair and under ownership dispute by his neighbor Judge Soplica (Andrzej Seweryn). Staying at the Soplica estate is Telimena (Grazyna Szapolowska), whom both Tadeusz and Count Horeszko desire. Telemenia is the guardian of Zosia, a young woman that quickly gains the attention of Tadeusz. Tadeusz's uncle, Judge Soplica, hopes to play matchmaker and marry Tadeusz with Zosia. As she is of Horeszko blood, the marriage would settle the feud between the two warring families. A monk named Robak (Boguslaw Linda) provides hope for the people whose land once was free and part of Poland by spreading rumors of Napoleon's arrival. Before this time, Poland and Lithuania were united as one country for hundreds of years. Napoleon is viewed as a potential savior of Poland, as he would combat the Russians who have oppressed the Poles. Robak also plays a major role in the matchmaking of Tadeusz and Zosia, as his intentions are to unite the people, and this would stop the fighting over the old Horeszko castle. "Pan Tadeusz" is a fantastic historical film, as it shows some of the history of Poland and serves as a point of reflection for its people. There are glimpses of Napoleonic armies marching to their doom, but the fighting scenes of the film take place between the Poles and Russians. After fighting, those involved became exiles in their own land, as they were unsafe from the future Russians that were sure to come. The film also has romance, as Tadeusz is smitten by Zosia's beauty. From one of Poland's most distinguished directors, comes one of Poland's best known poems, cast with several of Poland's best actors -- "Pan Tadeusz" is a modern Polish masterpiece.

It's Me, the Thief (To Ja, Zlodziej) (2000)

Weiser (2001)

As the movie begins with an explosion in a tunnel, we fear the worse may have happened to Dawid, but as his body was never found we are left wondering. The children are interrogated by their schoolteachers, but as they made a vow to Weiser to not reveal anything, they don't squeal quickly. It is also interesting to see how the characters in the present acted like in the past, giving us a chance to get to know them on more than one level.

The story has a great deal of suspense as we slowly learn about the characters and find out more about the mysterious Weiser. The suspense is on the level of a thriller because of the stupid stunts these kids performed and the general creepy feeling the movie takes on at times. Although the story builds a lot of suspense on a fairly simple plot, the ending leaves a lot to be desired. I do not think the ending will satisfy a lot of viewers and some may even feel the ending is annoying. There is a line in the movie that goes something like "Weiser is a name that you won't forget." I have to agree, there is something about this story that is unforgettable.

Avalon (2001) Director: Mamoru Oshii; "Avalon" is a science fiction film, which are not too common for Polish films. "Avalon" takes place in a slightly depressing, near-future world. The film is full of symbolism, and not surprisingly Arthurian legend references. The film itself is very artistic and philosophical. I think I understood the meaning of "Avalon," but there was much that left me wondering. Avalon is a virtual reality war game that is illegal, but a source of entertainment and even income for its players. Ash is a young woman who plays the leading role in this film. She is one of the best players of Avalon there is, and she aims to reach its highest levels. Nevertheless, what she finds surprises her. At this point, the film makes us wonder on the nature of reality. However, I thought the ending was vague and leaves one without resolution. The director, Mamoru Oshii, is Japanese and the special effects are Japanese, but because the film is spoken in Polish and has Polish actors, I think of it as a Polish film. "Avalon" (2000) is 107 minutes long. This DVD can be watched in Polish with English subtitles, in English, or in French. "Avalon" is definitely an usual film compared to both Polish and American films.

Hi, Tereska (Czesc, Tereska) (2001)

Renata is a manipulator and a bully. Renata is the type of person who leads the conversation with her questions and tripping someone up with them gives her a kick. Tereska's friendship with Renata brings about all sorts of trouble; call it peer pressure or a desire to fit in, Tereska begins smoking, drinking and fooling around with the boys. To say Renata is corrupting the morals of Tereska would sum it up nicely.

We are reminded that growing up isn't so easy in this movie. Even the adults in Tereska's life can be viewed with some suspicion of not having her interests in mind. Her mother has a man named Edek (Zbigniew Zamachowski), who is in a wheel chair, watch her one time when she was younger. Tereska visits Edek from time to time but he is a pervert that always asks her to kiss him. He offers her cigarettes and booze but wants a kiss in return.

The story is very sad but is one that happens in just about every town in the world every year more times than I could guess. I don't think the movie glamorizes life spiraling out of control but gives the viewer a chance to see the effects of choices that may not be so wise. It doesn't spare us the sordid parts of life and perhaps the point of the movie is to do just that. The story is a top rate drama but one that may make some uncomfortable.

The Naked (Golasy) (2001) Director: Witold Swietnicki ; The Naked (Golasy) is very different and there is something very shocking about it. All of the people in this movie are naked. This includes both women and men -- young, old, fat and lean. It is a story about office workers and their usual and unusual daily activities. All of the events in this Polish film take place in one day, mostly in a one-room office. The Naked creates a strong feeling like you are watching theater. Considering that this is the first film all the actors stared in, I was impressed that they created this feeling. Even though they are amateurs, they didnt appear to be shy or distracted by each others nudity. The viewer, on the other hand, will have quite a hard time not being distracted. Even though everyone in this film is naked, there is no sex. They act like each others nudity is normal and may comment on anothers appearance, but their comments are not erotic. In a way, The Naked comes closer to resemble art than it does pornography because it takes this approach. The women in the office dont do much real work but chatter and gossip away all day. A few women and several men, who bring the drama with them, visit our hard working office girls. The events that ensue range from the mundane to the ridiculous but most of what they do is funny. I have to give The Naked a lot of credit for being original. Its a very funny movie that made my face hurt from laughing and smiling so much. If you are looking for something very different, enjoy the theater or ever wondered what the world would look like if no one wore clothes, then The Naked is for you. All in all, it is a very shocking film filled with a lot of humor.

Reich (2001)

Quo Vadis? (2001) Director: Jerzy Kawalerowicz; "Quo Vadis" is a grand historical epic based on the novel by Henryk Sienkiewicz running four and a half hours in length. Although this is long by most standards, it really does allow the plot to fully develop and be brought to a conclusion. We get a glimpse of many parts of life in Rome, from wild drunken parties with plenty of topless women, a gruesome close up of lions eating Christians in the coliseum, and even the burning of Rome itself. The story has several elements that are all dovetail each other. We have a young patrician named Marcus Vinicius (Pawel Delag) who falls in love with Lygia (Magdalena Mielcarz), a Christian woman. At first she is not interested in him, but soon returns his love. Petronius (Boguslaw Linda), who is one of Nero's advisors, tries to help him physically capture his love as he has influence with Nero. Matters are complicated as Nero is out of control and is most concerned about his insane self-interests, which leads to trouble for many others. Boguslaw Linda was one of the best performers in the film. As he was the middleman between Marcus and the crazed Nero, his position from the start was precarious. He portrayed the patrician who was calm and collected in moments of confusion, sincere with his feelings, and often had witty remarks. Linda's acting was fantastic. "Quo Vadis" is perfect for those who enjoy historic epics. Overall, I thought the underlying message was about forgiveness and love, something we can all relate to and topics that would not hurt us to reflect upon. With nearly all of its characters experiencing moments of triumph and suffering, we witness and experience a wide range of emotions in this story that takes place about two thousand years ago.

Money Isn't Everything (Pieniadze To Nie Wszystko) (2001)

What gives the movie its special charm and a lot of its humor is the country bumpkins. They spend most of their day drinking and sitting on benches - they philosophize, they talk politics, and most of all, they would want to be rich but don't know how to do it. The villagers actually do not have much ambition, but with the right leadership they could accomplish a lot. Their beliefs and mannerisms are hilarious.

Pieniadze to Nie Wszystko is a great comedy by Juliusz Malchulski. Although it isn't one of his best known, it is one that is very fun and nearly resembles a feel-good movie. You'll see for yourself that money isn't everything but everything without money is nothing. Malchulski's specialty is comedy and has the distinction of having one of his movies, Seksmisja, being in the top ten all time Polish box office hits. If you want to take a break from the serious movies, this one provides great comic relief.

In Desert and Wilderness (W Pustyni i w Puszczy) (2001)

A Man's Thing (Meska Sprawa) (2001)

This movie lets us reflect on a tough issue. Is Bartek just a troublemaker kid or does his situation make him one? His mother looks the other way, his younger brother can't do anything to help, and the kids at school are a wild bunch too, leaving him nowhere to turn.

Meska Sprawa reminds me of Czesc Tereska for a few reasons. Both were made in 2001, are in black and white, and are strong drams that examine the darker side of life. Although both won a number of awards, A Man's Thing has the distinction of being nominated for an Oscar in 2002 in the Best Short Film category.

A Man's Thing, directed by Slawomir Fabicki, is a great short film and perfect for those who love dramas. It is an emotional story and quite sad, as many dramas are, but one that addresses an issue that affects many people. It covers a lot in under a half hour and doesn't have a dull moment.

Kitsch (Polisz kicz projekt) (2002) Director: Mariusz Pujszo; "Kitsch" is a uniquely different type of film. It is about two men and their cameraman (who you rarely see) who know little to nothing about making movies and who fool beautiful women into thinking they are stars in their production. Overall, the film is senseless; but in the chaos, it all adds up into something that takes another shape, one that makes sense. Throughout the movie, the two guys make this film funny by interspersing their commentary on cinema. The men act a little silly occasionally and even look a little goofy, which makes it hard not to find amusement in their antics. The women are hilarious because they take them serious. Without a doubt, "Kitsch" is funny. It is a goofy kind of humor, but it is loaded with it! If you thought you have watched enough Polish films about making a film, here is another, but one that takes a unique spin on the idea.

There and Back (Tam i z Powrotem) (2002)

Six Days of Ostrich (6 Dni Strusia) (2002)

Career of Nikos Dyzma (Kariera Nikosia Dyzmy) (2002) Director: Jacek Bromski; "The Career of Nikos Dyzma" (2002) is a comedy about an undertaker/eulogizer (as played by Cezary Pazura, who also stars in "Tato," "Sara," and "Happy New York") whose life takes a dramatic turn when he signs for the mail of a deceased politician. The letter he signed for is an invitation to a party for wealthy and powerful figures. At the party, Nikos puts the Vice-Premier in his place after he bumped into Nikos, knocking over his salad. This action gains him the respect and admiration of the room, as the Vice-Premier was not well liked -- opening the way for Nikos into the world of politics. The wives of the politicians are all interested in Nikos as their husbands are all much older and impotent. Gaining the liking of the politicians' wives only provides Nikos with valuable political information and the power of the wives to influence their husbands. A reoccurring political comment that Nikos makes in the film is for the people to buy and use Polish made products, despite lower costing imports, so that their own people will have jobs. The working people see the truth in this idea and look favorably upon Nikos for supporting them. Nikos also gave great eulogies, a skill he now uses for political speeches that move the people. "The Career of Nikos Dyzma" is directed by Jacek Bromski. The film is in Polish, but has optional English subtitles. Special features include the trailer, bios, photo gallery, and a short piece on the making of the film (spoken in Polish with no subtitle option). This 105 minute film has several popular Polish actors, such as Anna Przybylska (who stared in "Sucker Season" and "Superprodukcja") and Katarzyna Figura (who stared in "Zemsta," "Happy New York," and "Pianist"). The Career of Nikos Dyzma" would easily get an "R rating" by American standards for nudity.

Angel in Krakow (Aniol w Krakowie) (2002) Director: Artur Wiecek; While Hollywood has a number of movies about angels, Polish cinema has a couple. Angel in Krakow is film about an angel named Giordano (Krzysztof Globisz) who is sent by his superiors on a mission to Earth to help its people. They believe Giordano is the perfect one to send to bring some cheer and hope to the people because he likes to spend most of his time mingling with those in purgatory. After getting instructed on the basics of the ways of the physical world and how to interact with people, he is sent on his way. Although Giordano was supposed to get sent to Holland, a slightly jealous angel sends him to Poland instead -- giving him a more difficult task. Giordano takes it all in stride and is thrilled by everything before him. As Giordano interacts with people and the world they live in, which are all new experiences to him, we get quite a show. While his demeanor is a combination of naive, honest and innocent, Giordano also has this "just born yesterday" way about him that is hilarious. His actions are almost childlike, but give one pause to see how we take everyday things for granted. Furthermore, he seems like everything and his excitement over mundane things like a passing train, a cow eating grass on the side of the road or just riding in a car listening to music get funny reactions from those who observe him. Without a doubt, Angel in Krakow is family-friendly and would rated "PG" by American standards. It is an enjoyable comedy, but also has a few serious moments, such as the ending which sets the stage for the sequel Angel in Love. Although the film is about angels, Heaven and God, it is not an overly religious film. If you are looking for a humorous film for the entire family, Angel in Krakow has something for everyone.

Symmetry (Symetria) (2003) Director: Konrad Niewolski; Behind prison walls life is not exactly the same but is a reflection of it. It is reminiscent of the phrase "as above so below" but might be more accurate to say "as here so there." Symmetry (Symetria) is a great film about prison life and shows how life is mirrored there. They have their own slang, their own culture and even their own justice system. Lukasz (Arkadiusz Detmer) is accused of a crime he didn't commit but the justice system doesn't seem to recognize that fact. Lukasz is quickly oriented (and so are we) by the other inmates into the world behind bars. The first inmate he sees in a holding cell asks him using prison slang if he is a tough guy or a push over. Lukasz quickly decides he will take the path of being a strong guy. When Lukasz is first placed in his cell with his five cellmates he gets an introduction to who he will be spending his time with (one of my favorite scenes in the movie). He is greeted by a hard crew of guys, from Albert (Borys Szyc) who is a real thug to Dawid (Andrzej Chyra) who isn't large in stature but is a deadly killer. They test him and teach him how it works in this world. The movie is amazing in that it shows a man's transformation. At first Lukasz struggles in fitting in and not being overwhelmed by the other inmates who use force and intimidation. After that, his next problem is not going crazy from just being there. I will let you see for yourself what happens. Part of the appeal of this movie is that it is intense. There is some violence but don't worry it isn't just one beat down after another but a story of substance. The acting is great and I do have to add that Detmer did an amazing job playing the role of Lukasz. I love the slag and it is very catchy; it also gives the movie another level of realism. The music is by Michal Lorenc, who is one of my favorite composers, is very intense and compliments the story very well. Symetria is amazing and might even change the way you think about prisons. Konrad Niewolski, the director of Symetria, truly impressed me with this unforgettable drama/thriller.

Changes (Przemiany) (2003)

The former drug addict disturbs the tranquility of the house and it doesn't take much to do so as they all have a lot of baggage. Wanda lives with her two sisters and their mother is the head of the household. Wanda's sister Marta (Maja Ostaszewska) is married and her husband also lives with them. Her unmarried sister, Basia, also has a daughter. There is a lot of mystery and secrecy in this family and Adrian rattles them all very easily.

Przemiany approaches the feeling of one of those sexy thrillers as the drama has such high tension that one is kept unnerved. However, it falls short and doesn't quite make the classification of thriller and clearly sticks to the realm of drama. The drama isn't bad if one is into stories about dysfunctional people. But don't expect anything uplifting about this movie, as it doesn't approach such things.

Lukasz Barczyk is the director and writer of this Polish film from 2003. In his more recent film, Nieruchomy Poruszyciel (2008), I think he goes for similar feeling but with a much different plot. I suspect we will see more of the same type of movies from him in the future.

Superproduction (Superprodukcja) (2003) Director: Juliusz Machulski; Superprodukcja is another Polish film about making films. However, this time a film critic is pressured by a mobster into making a film that will star the mobster's girlfriend. Overall, the story idea is original and this is a film worth watching. There are references in this film to other Polish films, and probably knowing a little about Polish films makes this movie even more funny. For example, viewers familiar with Krzystof Kieslowski's Decalogue will recognize the "watching man" who appears in several of the Decalogue episodes, always silent and often carrying something. In Superprodukcja, the "watching man" appears a few times sporadically, with Decalogue-like dramatic music playing as he makes his short cameos, just as he did in the Decalogue. Superprodukcja also has a bit of action and drama, so it is more than just a "joke after joke" comedy. Toward the end of the film there is one of the most hilarious scenes in the film, probably worth seeing the film just for that alone. If you liked the Polish comedy "Hacker," you should also like Superprodukcja.

Revenge (Zemsta) (2003)

Forecast For Tomorrow (Pogoda na Jutro) (2003) Director: Jerzy Stuhr; "Pogoda na Jutro" is a drama/comedy of a very high caliber. Director Jerzy Stuhr, who also plays the leading role, takes us on a dramatic journey with a unique story. What makes it brilliant is that it is just as funny as it is thought provoking and dramatic. The movie is about a father that was secluded in a monastery for 17 years to avoid political trouble. The first time he leaves the monastery is to play in a musical band with the other monks at a festival, where his son and wife recognize him and he returns to his family. While he was away, much has changed and his three kids go astray in their own ways. Trying to get back in good standing and make it up to his family, he tries to help them, which stirs up the hornet's nest. This movie is hilariously funny at times, but also intense and makes you think. It really does take a look at actions and reactions; one of the underlining ideas of the story is how some positive influence can have a dramatic affect on someone's life and, on the other hand, the dangers that can result with the absence of a loving father. Sit back end enjoy as "Pogoda na Jutro" is an amazing psychological drama that will keep you glued to the screen.

Insatiability (Nienasycenie) (2003) Director: Wiktor Grodecki; Not knowing what to expect is normal for Polish films, but it is taken to a new level with "Insatiability" (Nienasycenie). I can honestly say "Insatiability" is a strange movie. Simply, it is a story of a young man who lives in a world on the verge of war with invaders from China and his interactions with those who want to satisfy their lust. The film is based on a novel written by Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz in 1930. What is strange in this film is that almost everyone is crazy, so no one really acts normal; so what is normal is being crazy. The line between dreaming and reality are often blurry so it does have a surreal feeling. It is like you step into a bizarre world where everything is on its head. I did found it unusual how very often many of the characters spoke in philosophic or mumbo-jumbo dialogues. After a while, I felt the film took on the feeling of a play because of these dialogues and the bizarre nature of the events. To top it off, some of the same actors play multiple roles. For example, Cezary Pazura plays four roles, and exceptionally well at that. I have to say "Insatiability" is not for everyone. Much of the film may be shocking for many American viewers. It is, after all, quite filled with atypical sex and more than some nudity, with most of that being naked men (there is only one bare bosom to the entire film). This being said, I would not really call this a gay film, although there are at least a couple of gay characters in it. Moreover, it does not stop there, as there are a few shocking gory parts also. "Instability" may most appeal to artsy people or those looking for something different.

The Old Fairy Tale: When the Sun Was God (Stara Basn: Kiedy Slonce Bylo Bogiem) (2003) Director: Jerzy Hoffman; The Old Fairy Tale: When the Sun Was God (Stara Basn: Kiedy Slonce Bylo Bogiem) may not be the best title as far as telling us what the movie is about other than it will have a pagan element. Jerzy Hoffman, who brought us the trilogy from the 17th century, presents us with one of Poland's oldest legends on film -- the story of Popiel. This a story from Poland's prehistory pagan time; a story that has been told and re-told, and Hoffman does a fantastic retelling of the story on film. The story could be summarized by saying Popiel is an evil and oppressive ruler that uses force unjustly on neighboring people. The people unit and make an effort to overthrow him. Of course, there is a love story in there too with titillating magical spells to help that effort along. The movie is well done -- from the eerie music to the fierce battles. There are also rituals and pagan dances that left me in awe thinking this was how Poland was like back then. We also see the Vikings, who battle the pre-history Poles. Oddly, some of the Vikings carry Draco standards resembling the type Sarmatian horsemen carried some 500 years earlier while in Roman service. The battle scenes are comparable in realistic special effects and sheer brutality with other historical films such as Braveheart. About half of the cast from Hoffman's Ogniem i Mieczem star in Stara Basn. Michal Zebrowski plays a lead role again and you are sure to recognize several other faces. Of those not in Ogniem i Mieczem is Malgorzata Foremniak, who plays Popiel's wife and is one of my favorite Polish actresses. Stara Basn is an exceptional Polish film that has it all with action, battles, romance and interesting costumes. The movie also has its cultural aspect, as it is based on a classic Polish legend. If you enjoy historical movies you have to watch this one.

Say it, Gabi (Powiedz to, Gabi) (2003) Director: Roland Rowinski; "Powiedz to, Gabi" (Say it, Gabi) plays like a soap opera grabbing your attention as it wavers between story plots that mix together. Gabi (Marta Chodorowska) is an immature pretty 16-year old girl who looks older than she really is. She is impulsive, spunky, and an incredible liar. Gabi likes a much older man (Andrzej Chyra), who lives in the same apartment complex as her. The fact that he already has a fianc顤oesn't deter her from fabricating incredible stories to get his attention. Gabi starts a spree of mischief that begins with stealing a nun's outfit. From there, she occasionally pretends to be a nun. The film is more than the love story of an impulsive and rebellious girl. "Powiedz to, Gabi" brings us a complicated web of drama interconnecting many lives. The presentation of this story is different from what would be expected. It uses many camera angles and creates a sense of a TV serial. I have to give it credit for being original in its camera presentation, but the fact that the camera is sometimes shaky can get a little annoying. "Powiedz to, Gabi" is a fun movie, but not one that I would expect to win awards.

White Soup (Zurek) (2003) Director: Ryszard Brylski; White Soup / Zurek is a dramatic story about a mother's search for her daughter's child. The mother desperately searches for the father of the child so that the child can be named after him, a promise she made to her husband before he died. Iwonka is a pretty 15-year-old who looks older than her age, but is mildly retarded. Iwonka's good looks cause her trouble, as men find her attractive and take advantage of her naivete. Although the theme of "Zurek" is a bit depressing and sad, there are redeeming moments of hope and kindness; a cyclist, Matuszek, who liked the mother when she was younger, helps the women out, expecting nothing in return. Americans may feel the film is quite somber, but from the Polish perspective, "Zurek" is not so serious and filled with some great humor. "Zurek" is directed by Ryszard Brylski, and a good choice for those people who enjoy Polish cinema.

Pornografia (2003) Director: Jan Jakub Kolski; With a title like "Pornografia" one probably gets a lot of preconceived ideas what the movie is about. Although there are a few sexy parts in this movie, it probably isn't what one thought it would be about. It is a movie (based on a book) about two guys, Fryderyk and Witold, during the war. The movie takes place during World War II but is not about the war. Although times of war are not normal by any means life went on during the war. People lived as normal of a life as they could and this movie, to some extent, captures that. Fryderyk and Witold leave behind the artsy crowd of intellectuals in Warsaw they normally hang out with to visit a friend in the country. There, they meet his pretty young daughter and take a liking to her. They make a wager among themselves that they can have her become interested in Karol, the hired young man who helps tend the farm. It isn't an easy task as she has a fianc饠but that only makes it more interesting for them. I have to admit I really like Jan Jakub Kolski's films. Although "Pornografia" is a bit different than Kolski's other films, it does have a few things in common with his other work. It has close up scenes of nature (animals or insects) and his wife plays a leading role. They also have a quality to them that can only be described as beautiful. What makes the film captivating is its play on the senses in this psychological drama. On the one hand, the film is artistic and beautiful, and on the other, it is almost mystical. Together, they provide a truly extraordinary cinematographic experience. "Pornografia" is dramatic and at times emotional, but always filled with an intangible mysterious flair.

Chopper (Motor) (2003)

Like many stories it also contains a love story; the romance is between Bazyl, the narrator and main character, and Monika (Ofelia Karolina Cybula). There is a lot of suspense when we see the contrast in the time periods and we are left wondering what happened. Bazyl goes from thinking Monika is the perfect girl in 1983 to not really caring too much one way or the other about her in the present. Some people do not age too well but in the case of Monika she probably looks even better.

Our motorcycle worshipers are always looking to get drunk or to do something stupid. They act like cretins, which at times is very funny and the rest of the time is just annoying. Some things about them change with time but considering how immature they still are, it is very debatable if their maturity is one of them. Monika seems to be the only normal one here and I have no idea why she tolerates such imbeciles in either time period. Motor has a few very funny scenes that will probably make you laugh a bit if you can stand the idiocy of these dolts.

Warsaw (Warszawa) (2003)

Klara is new to the city and it appears she has a lot of hope for a new life there. By chance, she meets a guy named Pawel Nowak on the train into the city. He has a shaved head and it looks like he could be a tough guy. He takes a liking to her right away and I could honestly say that I had almost no idea what will happen next with them.

Wiktoria hitchhikes into the city and her driver is a man named Andrzej. He is suspicious in just about everything he does and is mysterious with what he really wants from her. We also see a couple people that live in the city; they wander its streets for different reasons and are part of its fabric. All of the people we get to know in the story don't have the easiest time but that adds a realistic element to it.

Warszawa has an intricate story with many people involved and figuring out where it is going next is part of the fun. The story unfolds in an unusual way but that is what makes Warszawa so appealing. There is a lot of tension from not knowing how the girls will get by and not trusting the guy's motivation. I would say there is so much suspense the movie is nearly a thriller.

The Body (Ciolo) (2003) Directors: Tomasz Konecki & Andrzej Saramonowicz; Cialo (The Body) is an exceptional comedy with a plot that revolves around dead bodies. Although that sounds very macabre, it doesn't come off that way because it is such a funny movie. The type of humor could be considered black, as the movie has a half serious tone but it doesn't approach anything silly. Although there are a few dead bodies in the movie, the two the most attention is placed on are of a nun and a man who died from drinking a lot of embalming alcohol. Of course, the action is about those who are transporting the bodies for burial not the bodies themselves. The way things work out, a lot of people come into contact with them including thieves, nuns, regular guys and even a spy. The dead guy actually does a lot more traveling around than an average body being passed off to others several times. All of the characters are no more than two degrees away from knowing each other. We see part of the picture of what is going on and as the story progresses, more of the puzzle pieces fall in place. The pieces keep falling in place until the very end of the movie, when the whole picture becomes apparent. The plot has some good twists and the way the story connects is awesome. Cialo is directed by Tomasz Konecki and Andrzej Saramonowicz. The pair has gained popularity with their subsequent work. With Saramonowicz as the writer and Konecki as the director, the pair has made the successful films Testosteron (2007), Lejdis (2008), and Idealny Facet dla Mojej Dziewczyny (2009). Hopefully they continue working together as they are a winning combination. Cialo is truly a well-done film with an interesting, yet very funny, story.

The Welts (Pregi) (2004)

One can't help but wonder if Wojciech's bad behavior leads to him to being punished or if the punishment is leading him to misbehave. There is something very tragic about the story but this may be part of what makes it so powerful. The story itself is intense and the great acting and powerful music at just the right moments only make it more so. Although the movie is about a very serious subject, there are moments of humor here and there that lighten the mood unexpectedly. I have to say, please don't think the movie is all gloom and doom as hope for something better is always there.

Although the name The Welts may seem a bit odd for a title, it will seem most appropriate by the time you finish watching it. The Welts is an exceptional movie and has a quality about it that is sure to impress. I highly recommend this film for everyone.

Moj Nikifor (My Nikifor) (2004)

Marian has a wife and two young daughters but the longer he knows Nikifor the more he becomes more interested in him, slowly putting his family aside. The suspense builds as Marian tries to find out who Nikifor is and where he came from. In time, Marian is faced with choosing between his family and his odd friend. Although it might seem a little slow in the beginning, this film is one that really draws you into the world it shows. It is a great drama with more than a hint of suspense.

What makes the story amazing is that it is based on a true story. Nikifor's art looks like children's drawings but they have a style of their own that is quaint. After watching this film one has an appreciation into his life and the story behind his work. The acting is great; I have to mention Nikifor is played by Krystyna Feldman, which is pretty amazing because she plays the role of an elderly man. Moj Nikifor (2004) is directed by Krzysztof Krauze, who may be best known for his 1999 thriller Dlug (The Debt). My Nikifor is about artists and could be considered an artsy film.

Tulips (Tulipany) (2004)

This story explores friendship and older people wanting to be young; it has sad moments and is quite touching. The movie isn't entirely sad though as it is also about second chances. But underlying all these themes is the concept of being alone (and not being alone). The music is great and it helps to make the movie much more powerful. I also thought it had a number of funny parts, if you appreciate that type of humor.

Part of the appeal is that is about universal ideas and experiences. These old guys have ambitions and want to be young too but their years have passed and they are just not in young bodies anymore. They want to be loved and even have some adventures, which might surprise some young people. If I am making it sound like a deep movie, don't worry it is but it isn't; anything deep goes down very smoothly.

My guess is that the title of the movie is referring to the fact that tulips are the type of flower that come back every year and become young again year after year; even when they have lived out their days, they have life in them again. Tulipany has a little artsy feeling but not too much. If this movie sounds interesting, watch Tulipany and see if you agree with me.

Third (Trzeci) (2004) Director: Jan Hrynika; "Trzeci" (Third) begins with a couple enjoying themselves on a sailboat. Their sailboat crashes into a small rowboat, destroying it. Feeling sympathy for the occupant of the destroyed boat, they invite him to join them. From this point on the already strained relationship between the couple grows worse. The third wheel (Marek Kondrat) gets a mixed reception. Enjoying the new company, the woman welcomes him, while her man becomes uptight and controlling and doesn't care for the additional company. This movie reminds me of Roman Polanski's "Knife in the Water" (1962). That too was a story of two men and a woman aboard a boat with similar tensions. The personality types between the two films are similar; the controlling guy, the wise guy newcomer, and the woman in the middle. It is difficult to place "Trzeci" into a particular category. It isn't comical nor does it have much action. The most distinctive feature of the film is that it is suspenseful and unpredictable. The movie is somewhere between a drama and a thriller, not entirely being one or the other. If you are looking for something different, "Trzeci" will keep you guessing.

Attractive Male Seeking Woman... (Atrakcyjny Pozna Pania...) (2004) Director: Marek Rebacz; From the writer of Let's Make a Grandson (Zrobmy Sobie Wnuka) comes a Polish comedy about some backwards country folks. Stasio Tuchala (Roman Klosowski) finds himself in a predicament after his sister leaves for America. She used to do the household work and farm chores that Stasio doesn't have any experience with. Stasio's two friends decide to help him friend a woman by writing an advertisement (hence the title of this movie, Attractive Male Seeking Woman...). Stasio's friends, Waclaw (Andrzej Grabowski) and Henryk (Marek Perepeczko) are country bumpkins that spend most of their day drinking on the bench in front of the general store. Both Grabowski and the late Perepeczko are great actors that add a lot of humor to the movie. This is one of the last movies Perepeczko stared in; he is best known as playing the leading role in the 1973 TV series Janosik. To balance this pair, there are two middle-age women who both have their eye on Stasio. They sit and gossip just like Waclaw and Henryk. A couple of the dialogues they have with each other are hilarious and rank among the best scenes in the movie. There are also several sub-plots, which remotely connects together with the larger story. For instance, there is a longhaired young man who envisions he is in the Wild West. He doesn't say a word in the entire film and uses gestures to communicate. He, along with the other subplots, may add a bit of suspense to the overall story. Attractive Male Seeking Woman... (Atrakcyjny Pozna Pania...) is the directorial debut of Marek Rebacz. It is possible that there is a connection between this film and Let's Make a Grandson. Tuchala was also the last name of the young woman who went to the city to visit her relatives in Let's Make a Grandson. Of course, Marek Rebacz wrote both of the screenplays and it could be purely a coincident.

Karol: A Man Who Became Pope (2005) Director: Giacomo Battiato; Pope John Paul II is probably the most famous Pole in recent history. Before he was Pope John Paul II, he was Karol Wojtyla. Before he became the Pope, he was an actor, poet, teacher, and priest. "Karol: A Man who Became Pope" traces his personal history from the early days of the second world war up until the time he becomes the Pope. His life story is an interesting and inspirational. The movie begins with a young Karol at the start of World War II, we get to see a close up look at the brutal German invasion of Krakow and how Karol managed to lived though it. The arrival and occupation of the city must have been a traumatic experience, and we get to see the death and destruction the Nazis brought from the perspective of Karol and his friends. Events in the war influenced Karol and made him decide to become a priest so he could help others. With the end of the war, Poland did not have an easy time, as now the Russians controlled Poland. Priests were a persecuted group as the communists were atheists. A spy was placed to watch Wojtyla as he was deemed to be a threat to communism. We get to see the future Pope develop as a person and spiritually, as he touches the lives of so many people. It was incredible to watch how all of this unfolded. There are several messages in the film. One theme is life and death, as Karol sees others suffer and even die; yet he does not loose his faith. He remains hopeful and strong in situations where others would give up. This brings us to the other major themes of the movie: faith and love. He never lost his faith in a better future. We also see how love can triumph over hate. Love can pave the way to a better future, and whatever banner hate has, it will not triumph over love. "Karol: A Man who Became Pope" shows us the amazing story of how Karol Wojtyla persevered from Nazi to communist persecution, detailing the incredible story of an amazing man. It was a reminder to me that hope and faith should not be abandoned in bad times; in fact, they are most needed then. I highly enjoyed this inspirational and touching film.

The Lovers of the Year of the Tiger (Kochankowie Roku Tygrysa) (2005)

The old man's story takes us back to 1913 in Siberia. At this time Poland isn't on the map because its neighbors have divided her lands amongst themselves for over a hundred years. And for just about as long, the Russians have been sending anyone they find troublesome to Siberia. Two Poles flee from the Russians who are chasing them and one of them (Michal Zebrowski) just barely crosses the river into Manchuria. A hunter finds him and brings him to his home to nurse him back to health. The hunter is an honorable man and discourages the romance before it begins by cutting his daughter's hair and having her dress as a boy. I will save the rest of the details to leave at last a little suspense but there aren't a whole lot of surprises.

Kochankowie Roku Tygrysa is unusual compared to other Polish films in that most of the movie isn't spoken in Polish and most of the actors are not Polish. Although I appreciate that it is spoken in Cantonese, as this adds a level of realism to the film. It is quite a change of pace for director Jacek Bromski, who often does comedies, but that isn't saying much as it is pretty unique compared to Polish cinema in general. Hopefully, we will see more movies about the Poles exiled to Siberia in the years to come.

The Master (Mistrz) (2005) Director: Piotr Trzaskalski; The Master (Mistrz) is a film about a man and about life in general. Alexander is Russian guy that likes to drink a lot like, as many people do, but he is a bit different because he makes his living as a knife thrower in the circus. After getting kicked out of the circus he worked for due to his heavy drinking, he decides to head off with his own "knife circus" with the ambition to eventually end up in Paris, where he believes to be the only place that appreciates artists like him. He quickly meets up with several others that he puts to work in his circus including a prostitute and a drifter. The master doesn't believe in love but quickly finds himself enamored by a brave woman he finds irresistible. For the very reason he stays away from the whole concept of love, which is his fear of hurting another, tests him. He is in a "perfect" relationship and they are both deeply in love, but the seeds of trouble are there before they start. She doesn't want him to leave, but he is a traveling man so staying too long in one place isn't possible. Despite his seeming mastery of some things, he is human or just flawed as anyone else is and needs to learn the lessons of life's experiences. Although not too many of us could honestly say that we can personally relate to those who live in a traveling circus, the people in this film are very similar to someone we know or even ourselves, to some degree. We could even say that despite the shortcomings of the characters, the movie itself is meaningful because they aren't the best of people. We can easily spot their mistakes and have a realization about some aspect of life they seem to struggle with. Mistrz is similar to Piotr Trazaskalski's earlier film Edi for several reasons. It has music and cinamatragraphy that are beautiful. We shouldn't be surprised that the story captures some elements of existence that will make us pause, reflect, and think about life. We could even go so far as say that it has a philosophical side, as there are more than a few parts in which the characters say something seemingly deep. Although a few parts are slightly predictable, most of the film will keep us wound up with its suspense. Mistrz also plays with our emotions, as we are continually shocked with the turn of events.

Crime Stories (Lawstorant) (2005)

I Am (Jestem) (2005)

Kundel's life isn't a grand adventure; he spends most of his time looking for food and his main concern is just surviving. Some sense of normalcy develops in his life when he makes a home in an old boat on the river. The house nearby has a family with two young girls. The younger girl visits Kundel nearly ever day and is one of the few people who is nice to him. She has a good heart and they both bring out the best in each other. With time, they build a strong friendship or possibly even love.

Jestem makes a good drama because it touches on a whole range of emotions. The acting is excellent and the characters are likeable so the story is bound to pull you in. Although a couple of the main characters of the movie are children, I wouldn't say this is a movie intended primarily for kids. With that said, most of the content is okay to watch with kids although some parts might be too intense for younger children and there is some brief nudity. If anything, this movie will probably change their mind about ever wanting to run away as the life it shows is harsh.

Angel in Love (Zakochany Aniol) (2005) Director: Artur Wiecek; While movies about angels are very rare for Polish cinema compared to Hollywood, there are a couple that do exist. Angel in Krakow (Aniol w Krakowie) and its sequel, Angel in Love (Zakochany aniol), would be two good examples. Angel in Krakow finished in a way that left a lot still unfulfilled, so rounding out the story in a sequel is appropriate. Although some say a sequel is never as good as the original, I think in this case, the sequel is far better than the original. The story takes place two years after the first part left off. Giordano (Krzysztof Globisz) is still a very naive person, slowly getting more used to the ways of the world, although is fortunate enough to have a couple of angels keeping an eye out for him to make sure he is okay. His superiors in Heaven decide that they will cut him loose from being an angel and let him be just a man. This unexpected change is quite a shock for poor Giordano, however there is something also very good in store for him - love. As Giordano is clueless on anything to do with women, there are more than a few hilarious parts to this film. There is a lot more that happens in Angel in Love compared to the first part. Although don't get me wrong, I do think Angel in Krakow is funny, Angel in Love makes me laugh probably twice as much. There is another contrast between these two movies -- while Angel in Krakow left off on a sad note, Angel in Love ends quite well. What else can we expect in a feel good movie? Angel in Love is a charming, modern-day fairy tale. Although the story in Angel in Love can stand alone just fine, I still would recommend watching Angel in Krakow before you see this one as that sets the stage. Angel in Love is both a love story and a comedy that is truly funny. I have to say, there were a few surprisingly spicy parts too. At any rate, if you're looking for an upbeat, romantic-type of comedy, look no further.

The Lovers of Marona (Kochankowie z Marony) (2005)

be

reviewed

someday

soon

The Debt Collector (Komornik) (2005)

Crossroads Cafe (Rozdroze Cafe) (2006)

Grzegorz and his two friends decide to get rich by robbing a bank with the assistance of a crooked security guard who works there. As Grzegorz and his friends pursue the destructive path they have chosen, we get to see how their actions have consequences. "Rozdroze Cafe" builds in suspense as the story develops and you just wonder when it will explode.

The overall presentation of the story is interesting. The rock music of Kazik is interspersed throughout the entire movie, with his lyrics giving the theme of the story as a narrator would. The details he provides helps the viewer make sense of what is going on in the film. "Rozdroze Cafe" isn't a pretty story, but it is a compelling one full of drama, action, and tragedy.

The Magic Tree (Magiczne Drzewo) (2006)

All of the main characters in each of the stories are children, but this series will amuse adults too. The products from the magic tree all have unusual powers. These include: a sled that will obey its owner’s commands; a dice with white and black circles on it, and when rolled, bringing luck or misfortune depending on which color comes up; a magic pencil that has the power to make whatever is drawn come to life; a scepter that has the power to make its owners commands come to life in their most literal sense; and even wooden shoes that make the wishes of the person who wears them come true.

As you can imagine, these powerful objects in the hands of children brings them great adventures, but they also learn a lesson from their escapades. These are stories in which just about anything can happen and are appealing for those with hearts that love imagination. I think all seven episodes are well done and quite remarkable. Magiczne Drzewo is great entertainment for the whole family.

The Underneath (Pod Powierzchnia) (2006) Director: Marek Gajczak; "The Underneath" (Pod Powierzchnia) is a story of temptation or perhaps obsession. Interestingly enough, most of the film has only four actors. It takes a little bit of time to figure out what is going on but figuring it out is all part of the suspense. What distinguishes this thriller is that it is a fairly erotic movie. Piotr and his girlfriend Iza go visit their friend who has a house at a secluded lake. His friend Michael is Iza's ex-boyfriend and they aren't on the best of terms. Michael's girlfriend Ania has her eye on Piotr. Piotr becomes fascinated and obsessed with Ania at first sight. Not too surprising, there is a strange tension between the four and you will have no idea where the story will go. Learning about their history also keeps you on edge and helps explain their actions. There is a lot of mystery to unravel about the four and their past. A lot of the scenes take place on the lakefront and much of the symbolism has to do with the lake. The symbolism has to do with the reflections the water makes and what lies underneath its surface. The lake senses are often on the sensual side because Ania is a bit of an exhibitionist and swims naked. Piotr is practically hypnotized by her body and to say it distracts him may be an understatement. There is freshness to "The Underneath" as it is the product of those just starting their film careers. It is Marek Gajczak's directorial debut and although the actors in this movie do have some experience (mostly in the last decade), they are not too well known. Like a good Polish film, "The Underneath" is hard to predict and I really think the title fits it well.

Polish Kitsch Project Counter Attack (Polisz Kicz Projekt... Kontratakuje) (2006)

Chaos (2006) Director: Xawery Zulawski; Chaos (2006) is not the type of movie everyone is going to enjoy. It might even be one of those that you are going to love or hate. The reason why some people may be irritated by this movie is because it is has people that are on the path of self-destruction. They do not have a lot of consideration or respect for others; they think they are so smart, but are nothing more than moron punks and scumbags. Their survival potential is bleak and their lives are spiraling out of control, even if they do not realize it. The movie is about three brothers and a sister. The brothers include a would-be tough guy thug, a sleazy lawyer and an anarchist. The anarchist and the sister (Maria Strzelecka) have a thing for each other that is more than just sibling affection. Each of them is facing a problem of their own making. A lot depends on how they deal with their issues, as there isn't much lower they can stoop other than being dead. In the beginning of the film there is a lot going on, which makes it a little hard to follow, but that goes along with the theme of chaos. Even if you do not find any of the characters likeable and think they are all annoying, the story, albeit a modern, is a classical morality tale. There are occasional comments about the world being in chaos, and from the perspective of the siblings it is sure looks like it, but in the end the movie shows otherwise. It shows causes have effects and actions have reactions - those who commit destructive actions bring about destruction on themselves. It may take karma a bit of time to correct things, but the order in the world finds its place eventually. Chaos is Xawery Zulawski's debut feature film. Xawery is the son of Andrzej Zulawski, who is a brilliant director with a strong a cult following. Although I do not want to make too many compairsons between the two, I have to say that Xawery's film is similar to his father's work in that it has an element of intenseness. All in all, Chaos probably isn't going to be ever too popular with mainstream audiences and may only find its place with a select crowd.

Strike (Strajk-Bohaterka z Gdanska) (2006) Director: Volker Schlondorff; "Strike" (Strajk-Bohaterka z Gdanska) shows us the story of a woman who helped the Solidarity movement in Gdansk, Poland. Agnieszka is a welder who works harder than others and is initially disliked by some of her co-workers for it. She is optimistic to better herself and learns to read so that she can pass the exam to become a crane operator, which reflects her nature and her will to do good. Although she is fairly short in stature, she is steadfast in defending the rights of workers and becomes a heroine doing so. In my view, "Strike" is an unusual Polish film as it is a German production in the Polish language. German director Volker Schlondorff, who is best known for "Tin Drum," brings us this story about the woman who spurred the Solidarity movement. Furthermore, two of the leading roles in "Strike" are played by Germans, including that of our heroine Agnieszka (Katharina Thalbach). The rest of the cast is Polish -- including notable performances by Andrzej Chyra and Andrzej Grabowski. The only detail that is obviously German about "Strike" is that the credits are in that language. "Strike" isn't the first movie on the Solidarity movement. In 1981, Andrzej Wajda directed his influential film "Man of Iron" (Czlowiek z Zelaza) that showed the world what was happening in Poland. Interestingly, "Strike" has someone playing the role of Lech Walesa while in "Man of Iron" has Lech Walesa appearing as himself. Although both having a different feeling they show us history we may not have heard much about anywhere else. In the face of injustice, corruption and bad working conditions, some people had the courage to stand up to defend the rights of workers. The dramatic story of our wide-eye heroine Agnieszka may inspire you. "Strike" is based on a true story (some report that it combines details of two women) and is great because it shows a bit of history in an entertaining way. Although not an easy battle, the Solidarity movement changed the lives of many and weakened communism to some extent with their strikes.

Palimpsest: A Hypnotic Mystery (Palimpsest) (2006) Director: Konrad Niewolski; Palimpsest: A Hypnotic Mystery is movie that fits the genres of psychological or thriller, but it ultimately is a mystery. The story begins with Marek (Andrzej Chyra) investigating the death of a fellow police officer that is proving to be a difficult case. His investigation shows that he is somehow linked to the murder, he just isn't sure how. The mystery then shifts to another level, perhaps more haunting than the first. Hallucinations, dreams, memories, and the true reality overlap and nearly merge into a confused state giving us a mystery that is complicated to unravel. The suspense is wound tight as we are left wondering what the truth is but there are some visual clues to help distinguish different planes of existence. Watching for details may be helpful in solving the mystery so looking away for too long is not advised. There is a good chance that Palimpsest: A Hypnotic Mystery may leave you wanting to watch it again to pick up any missed details to take it all in. Palimpsest: A Hypnotic Mystery is a unique movie with a bit of an artistic element to it. It is aptly named as "palimpsest" means to wash away or scrape clean and reuse, which was a practice done to manuscripts to reuse them. I won't give away any more of the plot so you will have to see for yourself if you agree with me.

Who Never Lived (Kto Nigdy Nie Zyl...) (2006)

After the stage is set with the above, I think there is two significant phases to the film. For rest and soul searching, Father Jan goes to a monastery. Within the walls there, he is largely protected from the outside world. He learns new things, as do others from him, albeit probably not any major lessons. This is contrasted with the next phase, which takes place outside the monastery, where the "man who never lived" is faced with the temptations of the world. To save you the suspense, I will not get into any more details but will say the story builds and gets more intense as it progresses.

Who Never Lived is directed by Andrzej Seweryn. Seweryn is famous for being an actor and this is his directorial debut. The story is shocking because you do not expect a priest to have AIDS but this movie is based on a true story. The account of Father Jan presented in the movie is mostly his simple daily living and how others react to him, and Zebrowski does a great job acting in this tough role. The movie might not have any big revelation for its viewers but it may make us pause for a moment and think.

Double (Dublerzy) (2006)

Although at first I was undecided if Dublerzy is a comedy with a lot of action or an action movie with a lot of comedy; but by the end, I have to say there is a lot more action. The movie has a lot of shooting scenes and the action does not let up. It probably isn't too far of an exaggeration to say that there is a fight or a shooting scene every five minutes. But the humor helps take away any seriousness the movie could have and the action keeps it from getting dull. The Italians charters actually speak Italian, which is also a nice touch.

In addition to those named already, Dublerzy has a lot of famous Polish actors including Krzysztof Kowalewski and Krystyna Feldman. It is also the last movie the late Marek Perepeczko stared in (who played Janosik in the TV series with the same name). On the other hand, it also has the acting debut of Kayah, who is a popular Polish singer. Dublerzy (2006) is directed by Marcin Ziebinski and it is quite a change of pace from the suspenseful thriller (Gniew) he made some eight years earlier.

The Boy on the Galloping Horse (Chlopiec Na Galopujacym Koniu) (2006)

Jerzy is an accomplished writer and his wife is a photographer, but when there is a major problem in life, it all can come to a standstill. Jasiek is just a boy and it may seem like he doesn't have much power but he gives his parents the occasion to reflect on their relationship. It is a drama without a lot of action but still pulls you in.

The Boy on the Galloping Horse resembles visual poetry and is shot in black and white, unquestionably putting it in the realm of art films. It allows the viewer to reflect on life in general and compare what one sees in the movie to his or her own situation. Although the movie is relatively short, running 73 minutes long, it covers the topic well. If anything, the movie reminds us to appreciate life and that it can be very fragile.

Adam Guzinski wrote and directed a couple of shorts before directing The Boy on the Galloping Horse. His style is artsy and works well with dramas. Some parts combine ironic humor and visual beauty, which give it a nice feeling. My favorite example of this is the scene with the bus driver's sun visor, which has two things on it that oddly conflict.

Just Love Me (Tylko Mnie Kochaj) (2006)

Michal is in complete disbelief and shock at this seven-year-old girl's claim. She tells Michal that all she wants from him is that he "just love me." He agrees to take care of her for five days to get to know her better. His girlfriend isn't too thrilled with the whole situation. Michal quickly takes a liking to his daughter and they both have a lot of fun together. Michal also meets a woman named Julia at work and they strike up a connection.

A few parts of the movie are a little predictable, as are most romantic comedies. Tylko Mnie Kochaj has some pretty funny parts that make the movie fun. If you have been to Poland recently, you will appreciate the part where Michal is driving on the small road and passing cars like a maniac to get to his destination quicker, as this is exactly how it is nowadays.

Ryszard Zatorski, the director of Tylko Mnie Kochaj, has gained popularity with his romantic comedies. Agnieszka Grochowska, who is an actress I particularly enjoy and think has a promising career, plays the role of Julia. There is even a short clip from Ryszard Zatorski's earlier film Nigdy w Zyciu! edited into this one giving Artur Zmijewski and Danuta Stenka a short cameo. Tylko Mnie Kochaj doesn't have any violence or nudity so it may be appropriate for all crowds.

Hi Way (2006)

The spin that Hi Way uses is related to the title of the movie. Hi Way is about an aspiring director and his cameraman that drive in a van on the highway. On their way to or from an assignment, they talk about various ideas they have for movies they would like to make. Most of their ideas are bad -- so bad that they would never really make films about such things. Of course, bad ideas are great opportunities for humor. While I wouldn't quite call the short segments we see about their ideas sketches, they are pretty close. These daydream-like fragments are pretty unusual, but we are brought back to reality when they are in the van again.

Hi Way is the brainchild of Jacek Borusinski. He wrote, directed and plays the leading role in the film. Although Borusinski starred in a number of other movies, this is the first he wrote or directed. Although I really appreciated the humor in this movie (and thought it was very funny), Hi Way isn't a movie for everyone. Two others that watched this movie with me didn't laugh once and didn't care for it at all. I can only say to each their own - I thought it was hilarious.

Facing Up (Przebacz) (2006)

to

be

posted

someday

Retrieval (Z Odzysku) (2006)

The moral dilemma begins when he sees the job has a corrupt side and uses unethical means to achieve its ends. Although his motivation may be good, the path he is on is inherently self-destructive. His morals slip lower as his profession is all about using threats of punishment, followed by brutal force, to get his way. He goes from a pretty nice guy to a cold gangster. If you know a little about human behavior, the story is a little predictable at times but realistic.

Z Odzysku has a lot of action and the drama is fairly intense at times but I don't think this is one for everyone. I wouldn't recommend it for those who are squeamish as the story is filled with violence. Z Odzysku was the Polish candidate for the Oscars in 2007 and Slawomir Fabicki's first feature film. Fabicki is also known for directing the short Meska Sprawa (2001), which was nominated for an Oscar. All in all, I think Z Odzysku is a very good film but lacked something to make it more moving. It hinted some of what was going on without telling it clearly and ends in such a way that makes us wonder even more.

Manna (2006) Director: Hubert Gotkowski; If you could wish for anything, what would it be? Manna is a film about two guys that wake up inside a car overflowing with beer cans in the woods. They have no memory of how they got there or each other. Things get a little weird when two notes fall from the sky that says they can make a wish. Their first wish tells us a lot about them and their mentality. As unbelievable and miraculous as it may be, their wishes do come true and beer falls from the sky just as the notes did. Manna brings us into an unusual world that will make us think. Although their wishes come true, this magical place also has fetters. As the movie explores the thinking and ambitions of two guys that find drinking their priority, we are left to wonder if they are in some type of heaven, hell or even purgatory. Although the story is simple, it is remarkably original and creative. Manna is unique as it blends comedy with a psychological/philosophical theme. Manna is Hubert Gotkowski's debut feature film. To make an interesting movie about and staring only two people is quite a feat. Although it is only 59 minutes long, it is enough time to explore the ideas presented and not drag it out in any way. What I find incredible about this story is that it makes us think about the way people think and even shows how shortsighted our own thinking is. It isn't often that a film can change the way you see the world and how we think, so I give Manna a lot of credit for doing just this. Manna is a bit different than other films - it is a bit more artistic and intellectual, but it is also amazingly simple. I also have to mention that there is another version of this film that is 80 minutes long and has three actors. The shorter version and the longer version are very similar, but many of the details are not the same. The actors actually wore different clothing in the two versions, so it isn't like the same footage was just reused. The shorter version develops their feelings and reactions much more, so I would recommend watching that one first. The longer version glosses right over much of the things that were developed slowly in the short version, and takes us down a couple paths unexplored in the other.

Immensity of Justice (Bezmiar sprawiedliwosci) (2006)

The story begins with a young man named Lukasz (Robert Olech) visiting his father's acquaintance, Michal Wilczek (Jan Frycz), to talk to him about what it is like being a lawyer. Lukasz is very interested in photography, but is also slightly interested in law so the hope is his discussion with Wilczek will help him decide what to do with his life. The story then goes back about a decade earlier to a murder case. The case involves the murder of a pregnant woman by her lover, who happens to be married.

It isn't an easy case and is more like an absolute mess. The police did everything wrong in collecting the evidence and wanted to place the blame on her lover, as he is the easiest one to blame. There really isn't anything at all to prove he is the killer, but the court is motivated to close the case. We have to pay careful attention to the details, as every fact is a clue. We also get a chance to try to solve the mystery as the story unfolds, but it isn't easy, as the details don't all add up. There are more a few surprises in store for us and the story is very hard to predict. Toward the end of the movie all the details connect and things get very apparent, even if we got confused or lost by of the fine points earlier. I can only say the ending isn't disappointing.

Time to Die (Pora Umierac) (2007)

to

be

posted

later

sometime

The Secret of Code Fortress (Tajemnica Twierdzy Szyfrow) (2007) Director: Adek Drabinski; The Secret of Code Fortress (Tajemnica Twierdzy Szyfrow) is a World War II series that primarily takes place in southern Poland. Deep in a castle controlled by Nazis, German cryptologists have a machine that can decode Russian messages. The shocking part is that the messages are concerning America's work on an atomic bomb. The Russians and Germans are not too far behind the Americans in developing their own bombs with the help of Russian spies stealing the American secrets. Most of the story takes place at the end of the war in 1945, but there are also flashbacks to other time periods, such as 1939, that fill us in on additional details of what is going on. This television series from 2007 consists of 13 episodes, which are about 45 minutes each. The cast of the show is quite large, but notable chatterers include: Pawel Malaszynski as Captain Johann Jorg, Jan Frycz as SS-Obersturmbannführer Hans Jacob Globcke, Borys Szyc as SS-Untersturmführer Matheas Beer, Pawel Delag as Howard Compaign, Karolina Gruszka as Natalia, and Cezary Zak as Harry Sauer. All of their performances are remarkable, but Zak's character and performance stands out, as his portrayal of a crazed and sadistic Nazi is terrifying. Each episode has plenty of action and drama. As the story has a lot of spies, the story has some twists and will keep you guessing. The main groups include the Germans that control the area but are loosing power, the Russians that are encroaching on the territory, the British and Americans who are interested in finding the German secrets, and the Poles who aid the Americans and British. There is also an element of a love story as all the ladies fall for Johann Jorg. The way each episode concludes makes you want to see the next one and the suspense grows all the way to the end. I thought the series was so good that I didn't want it to end and the final episode left me in awe. Those with some knowledge of history may appreciate the fine details that are included in the story. For those without much history background, The Secret of Code Fortress may spark some interest in learning more it. Although I would not be qualified to give my stamp of approval on the historical accurateness of the series, we can assume a good effort was made to make it accurate as Boguslaw Woloszanski, who has his own history program, produced Tajemnica Twierdzy Szyfrow.

Crown Witness (Swiadek Koronny) (2007) Director: Jacek Filipiak, Michal Gazda and Jaroslaw Sypniewski; Crown Witness (Swiadek Koronny) is a suspenseful tale of a mobster telling his story to filmmakers making a crime documentary. Jan 'Blacha' Blachowski (Robert Wieckiewicz) was once an influential gangster that didn't do any of the dirty work but orchestrated it; now, he lives under police protection because he brought down many of his associates. Marcin, with his camerawoman Iwona, questions Blacha and slowly bring out the emotional story. We see how he lived and what happened to make him want to get out of the business. There is more than one layer to the story. Although the focus is learning about our star witness, we also slowly learn about our filmmakers. Between their nonverbal communication and their short dialogues with each other we quickly get the idea there is much more to the story. Undoubtedly, what we learn about them is just as moving. The acting in Crown Witness is great and for those who are into Polish films, it is bound to have at least a couple of your favorite. The assortment of famous Polish actors in the supporting roles includes Malgorzata Foremniak, Krzysztof Globisz, Artur Zmijewski, and Andrzej Grabowski, to name a few. Crown Witness has some great action and drama so it will probably even keep your picky father-in-law awake. Although the movie contains shooting and violence, the story is really about people so it may even appeal to those who aren't particularly fond of action films. If you are looking for an action/suspense/mobster film, Crown Witness is for you.

Glass Lips (2007)

The story is a jumble of short clips that take place at various times and we slowly learn about the past and present. A young man is in an insane asylum and we see him imagining things that are his own creations or reminders of his past. His parents were on the strange side and passed on to their child the kind of behavior that can get one locked up in a bedlam. Although his father was not physically abusive, he had bizarre ways of punishing him that were all part of his father's past. We also see segments of his parents' personal history that is unlikely he actually witnessed. It may take some watching and re-watching to sort out what events are actual and which are imagined.

Although I am no means an expert on Lech Majewski's films, I have to say there are some similarities between Glass Lips and another film I saw by Majewski, Roe's Room. The style and feel are similar, which can simplistically be described as highly unusual and artistic. Both also use actors without much or any film credits to their name.

Glass Lips is like stepping into a world of imagination and bizarre fantasy. If you have an appreciation for visual art or theater, there is a chance Glass Lips may appeal to you but I suspect it is not a movie that most people will enjoy.

Word of Honor (Slowo Honoru) (2007) Director: Krzysztof Zaleski; Slowo Honoru (Word of Honor) is part of the Scena Faktu series made by Polish Television (TVP) that show dramas based on true stories. Although they are TV movies, if you have watched any of them, you would know they are exceptional stories and each one stars several famous Polish actors. Slowo Honoru premiered on television on March 19, 2007. The heroine of this movie is Emila Malessa, who took an oath to serve her country during World War II. She became involved with the Armia Krajowa (AK or Home Army), which operated as a resistance movement in German occupied Poland. Her role in the AK consisted of couriering information to foreign countries. With the end of World War II in Poland in 1945, the Soviet run Polish government wants to root out the conspirators as they are seen as a threat because the AK sympathizes with the Polish government in exile. Emila's problems start when she is arrested by the secret police for belonging to the Home Army. A Polish officer shows her (or feigns) respect and trys to talk her into giving up details on her activities and associates. He promisses her his word of honor that all those partisians that she offers information on will be safe and will proceed to live normal lives in the new Poland. The movie flashes between a few time periods (1940, 1945 and 1983) and we see the events in these time periods tie togther. I won't give away the ending if he keeps his word or not so you will have to see for yourself. Slowo Honoru gives us a glimpse of history with this unforgettable story. One cannot help but reflect on how much these people went through with the war with the German occupiers and then end up with Russian occupiers taking their place. It should be no surprise that this movie was not made earlier as it doesn't paint a flattering picture of the Soviets. It took the fall of communism to give filmmakers a chance to bring us stories of what happened in the years just after the war like this one. Slowo Honoru is a great drama and one that is not to be missed.

Sztuczki (Tricks) (2007) Director: Andrzej Jakimowski; Sztuczki (Tricks) is a delightful movie about a pair of young siblings - a brother and sister who live with their mother in a small town in Poland. Stefek is just a kid but he is quite clever; he admires his older sister Elka who has a guy friend that drives a motorcycle. The tricks they perform are not mischievous but are small deeds that influence fate, and their results are quite magical. We see the pair repeat their daily routines and we learn about their lives. Elka shows his brother that by intending something to happen and making a small sacrifice, the results can materialize. She does this by placing a hamburger in a bag near a trashcan and says it will find its way into the trash bin, which it does although not directly. It is amusing seeing them do such things and bribe fate. Elka has ambitions for what she would like to achieve; she would like to learn Italian and get a job with an Italian company. Elka's guy friend has the ambition of having their friendship turn into something more. Stefek is quite interested in finding his father who walked out on them, so he spends his free time looking at the guys at the train station, comparing them to an old photo with scribble marks all over it. When he sees a man whom he thinks is his father, his greatest trick will be to influence things so he returns to his mother. A little luck never hurts too. For those not familiar with the superstition that is well know in Poland, there is a scene where Stefek is holding his thumbs in his fists. He is doing this for luck (which is same idea as crossing one's fingers for luck). Sztuczki is directed by Andrzej Jakimowski. I would say this movie falls somewhere between a comedy and a feel good drama. His earlier (and first) film, Zmruz Oczy, has a similar overall feeling and earned him recognition winning many awards. I would say his second film outdid his prior work. Although this movie might not appeal to those looking for a movie with violence or sex (because it doesn't show any of this), it is just right for everyone else.

Katyn (2007) Director: Andrzej Wajda; If the Poles didn't have it bad enough by having by having nearly the entire German army blitzkrieg it's Western border on September 1, 1939, the Soviet army then invaded from the East sixteen days later. Katyn presents a history lesson that most people never heard about: the mass murder of tens of thousands of Polish officers by the Russians in 1940. While watching this film you may wonder if the Russians mistreated Poland worse than the Germans did during World War II (which is a debate in itself). The Germans found the massacre site in 1943 and announced it to the Poles, hoping to use it for propaganda against Russia. The Russians denied the accusation and then staged it to appear the Germans were behind the butchery. Katyn doesn't tell the story in a chronological way, but we see it unfold slowly; we see both the men at war and the women at home who love them. The wives, mothers and daughters of the Polish officers spend so much time waiting and wondering what happened to them. Even when the war ends the problems of the war do not - they spill into the decades that follow. Andrzej Wajda is Poland's best-known director and has been making films for over fifty years. I think it is great Wajda is still making films because his recent work is opening the door to younger audiences who primarily watch contemporary movies. He has long ago established himself as being a brilliant director and Katyn reflects his years of experience and talent. Katyn is a story that is strongly based on history and is the first film about the Soviet massacre of nearly 22,000 Polish officers. I viewed Katyn with someone who lived through this time and he confirmed that even the smallest details were right on and the way it is presented is how it was. It is a tragic story that was not allowed to be told earlier because of suppressed truth and political pressure. This movie is not just for people that like historical dramas but is one that may be of interest to everyone.

Inka 1946 (2007)

The story goes back and forth between seeing what happened to Inka in 1946 and a woman interviewing people in the present time hoping to make a film about her. Inka's only crime was that she was a nurse in the army loyal to the pre-war Polish government and cared for the wounded. Her interrogators also find her guilty because she will not give up any useful information about her friends. She took an oath to her country that is now overrun by the Soviets.

What is striking and hard to miss about this story is that the villains of the piece are not the Soviets but the Communist Poles. The people true to what was Poland before WWII are now not heroes but the enemy of the new state. The torture and abuse does not come directly from foreign hands but from their own people. The Polish Communists do all they can to liquidate their Polish brothers and sisters that support the old system.

If you are interested in Polish history or just love strong dramas Inka 1946 is a great pick and one that is unforgettable. Parts of the movie are not for the feint of heart; they show the brutal force they use to break her body and the mind games they employ to try to break her spirit. What happened just after the war in Poland has not been given too much attention in film yet for obvious reasons but it is great that the dark side of the establishment of communism in Poland can finally come to light.

Hania (2007) Director: Janusz Kaminski; Hania is an emotional Christmastime drama about a young married couple, Ola and Wojtek. They do not have any children, mostly because Wojtek doesn't feel he is ready for them. The story takes place in Warsaw, which is given away by the couple brief shots of the Palace of Culture and Science, and shows us a world that is occasionally a bit magical. We are held in suspense as we slowly learn about the pair. Ola (Agnieszka Grochowska) is more of a free spirit, while Wojtek is more serious and a workaholic. Obviously, the scrooge of this Christmas story is Wojtek. Things get interesting when Ola brings home a boy from the orphanage named Kacper to spend Christmas with them. Wojtek isn't too keen on the idea but becomes less reluctant when Kacper points out his lack of enthusiasm. Although Kacper is just a boy, he is good at making observations and is very insightful. Kacper helps them think about their lives and about what is important in life. Hania is a special movie because it has messages such as things happen for a reason, deeper meaning can be found if we look for it, and life has room for growth. There is a magical element about Hania that is touching and heartwarming. Without reservation, I would have to say that Hania is a beautiful film. Janusz Kaminski, who is the cinematographer for many of Steven Spielberg's movies and won two Oscars, directs Hania. Although not his directorial debut, Hania is Kaminski's first Polish language movie. The music to Hania is by Jan A. P. Kaczmarek, who won an Oscar for composing the music to Finding Neverland. Hania is a great movie to watch with your family on any occasion, but especially so at Christmastime.

Twists of Fate (Korowod) (2007)

to

be

posted

sometime

later

All Will Be Well (Wszystko Bedzie Dobrze) (2007)

I think All Will Be Well is a very touching and emotional story. Both Pawel and Andrzej have their own problems but help each other. Their journey is a test for both of them but also an experience for personal growth. Although the film is mostly serious, it also has some great moments of humor too. The movie is outstanding because the music and story blend together perfectly. The music is beautiful and has an unmistakable Michal Lorenc feeling to it. This is the type of film that makes Polish cinema special and truly enjoyable.

Wszystko Bedzie Dobrze is directed by Tomasz Wiszniewski. His earlier work, Where Eskimos Live, has some similarities to this one. Both are very emotional stories and are about a man helping a boy. But the help isn't just a small deed but one in which they face a great challenge. Although both movies are very different, if you liked Where Eskimos Live, I suspect that you will also like this one.

Hope (Nadzieja) (2007) Director: Stanislaw Mucha; Nadzieja (Hope) is a drama about being in a place where one isn't off the hook yet but has a chance to make it work out. The story opens with two brothers playing in the yard while their mother watches. Tragedy strikes and changes the course of this family's history. Franciszek and Michal are both deeply scarred because their mother died when they were children. Michal ends up in prison for murdering two people. Franciszek seems normal enough, but has the unusual hobby of spying on this old guy named Benedykt Weber, who is an art dealer. There is a lot of mystery to the story as we are left wondering why he is spying on this guy. His family is well aware of his hobby and they do not discourage it. Franciszek has been watching, recording, and tracking Benedykt for some time; he also records him and his thugs stealing a 15th century painting of an angel from a church. Franciszek meets Weber to let him know that he has evidence of his participation in the crime. It isn't a matter about blackmailing him, as Franciszek doesn't want money from Weber, just for the painting to return to its rightful place. The suspense turns up as Franciszek isn't going against some small time criminals, which makes his actions all the more gutsy. Both sides play a little cat and mouse with each other showing their strength. But both sides are also stuck in a place that is hard to get free from. Nadzieja is written by Krzysztof Piesiewicz and Krzysztof Kieslowski as part of the Heaven, Hell and Purgatory trilogy. Nadzieja is the third and final part of the trillogy. I am glad at least one of them turned out to be a Polish movie. Stanislaw Mucha did a great job in making this drama come to life and I think Kieslowski would be proud of the results.

Futro (2007) Director: Tomasz Drozdowicz; Futro is a black comedy that is reminiscent of Wojciech Smarzowski's Wesele (2004); the only difference is that in Futro the party is for a first communion, not a wedding. What is similar between the two films is the partygoers experience more than a usual share of bad luck. They have so much bad luck that it will make one's terrible moment or embarrassment seem not so bad in comparison. Of course laughing at the misfortune of others is immature, but in this case it is ok as it is supposed to be funny. Another difference is that Futro has most of the humor relating to the personal conflicts of the family members. The greatest clash is between the grandfather who is hosting the party and the other grandfather (of the boy who the party is being thrown for). One of the grandfathers is a bit of a show-off and the other is an argumentative know-it-all. There are a lot of family members in the movie and we only know who a few are from the beginning. We slowly learn who the rest of the people are as the film progresses, but a few of them I never figured out who they were. I would say it starts to get really funny about a half-hour into the movie when the subplots all start to come together and we have a vague idea who these people are. What makes the movie work great is the interplay between the charters and how the story weaves together nicely. Most of the people in this family have issues, and one of the few people that is "with it" is the families' maid from Ukraine named Olenka (Roma Gasiorowska). I think Olenka was the most funny as she keeps a positive attitude and sees things in an innocent way, even when things are going to hell in a handbasket. Futro is Tomasz Drozdowicz's directorial debut and is a fun movie if you don't take it serious.

The Skylights (Jasne Blekitne Okna) (2007) Director: Boguslaw Linda; Jasne Blekitne Okna (The Skylights) is the story of the friendship of two women. Beata (Beata Kawka) and Sygita (Joanna Brodzik) became friends as children and their bond is quite touching. We see them both when they were young girls and as adults, which gives us the perspective of both time periods. It is captivating as we get to see how the actions in their youth play out into their lives later on. In the present, the women get together after eight years of being apart. On the surface, things seem to be fine, but very quickly we see that both of their lives are spiraling out of control. They face different problems and ultimately alcohol is behind much of the trouble they have. It isn't their own drinking, but the drinking of those close to them. The story can be viewed as showing the horrors alcoholism can create. Their friendship plays out to be a strong drama. It has both its moments of joy and pain. If not for the few very funny parts that lighten the mood, Jasne Blekitne Okna would an extremely serious movie. Overall, it is a very sad story but we shouldn't expect any less from a good drama. Jasne Blekitne Okna is the third film Boguslaw Linda directed. In addition to directing it, Linda also stars in Jasne Blekitne Okna, playing one of the main characters. Boguslaw Linda is best known for his acting so it is nice that we get to see an additional side to his creative talent. The movie also has an artistic side to it; some of the scenes are shot beautifully and add to its charming nature. Although the story is about two women, I wouldn't say it is a chick flick but one about friendship. If you aren't into dramas, you probably will not appreciate this film as much.

The Tower (Wieza) (2007)

Ewa's friends Beti and Kasza also have their own issues finding love. Beti is a pretty blonde that always has the guys fall for her, although she isn't looking for anything too serious. Kasza is a nice person but as she is an artsy feminist, so she has weirdoes come into her life. We see the women's frustrations, disappointments, and expectations come short partially due to themselves and because of the guys they meet.

The story is realistic and not too predictable. The story goes to show you that people can be sized up in the way they act in relationships. The promiscuous, the cheaters and perverts are also backstabbers that lie to your face and trusting them is very dangerous. Wieza has a few charters that act exactly this way and their fate isn't too surprising.

Although the film is about women and geared to women, there are a few random nude scenes to wake up the guys who may be forced by their girlfriend to watch it. As romances often have, there are a number of sex scenes too. The clashing of personalities of the characters is also interesting, and it makes some good drama. Wieza is Agnieszka Trzos's first feature film she wrote and directed.

In God's Little Garden (U Pana Boga W Ogrodku) (2007)

Although the people in this town have a quaintness that makes one wish he or she could live there too, adventure finds its way to this peaceful town. Outsiders bring excitement into town. In this movie, a fresh graduate from Police Academy, who just barely passed, is sent there in exile. He is klutzy and doesn't even realize he is sent there to keep himself out of the way and not embarrass the Police in some way by doing something stupid. At the same time, a tough guy in the Police protection program set him up with a new life in the country. But his importance makes him a target for those he testified against. As you can imagine, a little bit of trouble brews from these newcomers as well as romance and a lot of laughs.

U Pana Boga w ogrodku was made nine years after the original. Much to my surprise, a third film in the series was made called U Pana Boga za miedza (God's Little Village) two years later in 2009. All of these movies are great comedies that are worth watching. They all can stand alone fine, but it is better to watch them in order to get to know their history better. As usual, just because one of the main characters is a priest doesn't mean this film doesn't have a little brief nudity. Without a doubt, they have to be one of director Jacek Bromski's greatest cinematographic accomplishments.

Little Moscow (Mala Moskwa) (2008) Director: Waldemar Krzystek; Mala Moskwa (Little Moscow) is a fictional story about the wife of a Soviet officer and a Polish officer. The story takes place in Legnica Poland, which was the headquarters of the Soviet forces in Poland during the cold war. With more Russians than Poles in the city, it was called Little Moscow. The story begins with flashbacks from the present time to the late 1960s. The story unfolds between the flashbacks and we see what happened between the Russian pilot, his wife and the Pole who came between them. In the present time, the Russian pilot is now elderly and his daughter Wiera (Svetlana Khodchenkova) is about the age her mother was when she first arrived in Legnica. They visit the grave of his wife and her mother to pay respects to the past, but also to see what became of things with time. His wife was also called Wiera (played by the same actress) and the story of how she died is both dramatic and tragic. It takes iron nerves to not be stirred by the story of Mala Moskwa in some way. In the past, the Polish officer named Janicki (Leslaw Zurek) does all he can to push his way between the Russian couple and has the ambitions of stealing her heart. Wiera first catches Janicki's eye during a singing competition and uses their common ground of music to relentlessly peruses her. Wiera is torn between loyalty and new excitement; and ultimately, the trio is all bound to get hurt. Although the story is fiction, it has a historical backdrop, which adds an interesting element to the film. There is also an aspect of realism with the Russians being played by actual Russian actors. Furthermore, at least a third of the dialogue is spoken in Russian (while the rest is in Polish), which gives it an authentic touch. If you are into dramas, Mala Moskwa is worth checking out as it shows the effects a forbidden love has both at the time it happened and decades later in a way that is captivating.

Time of Darkness (Pora Mroku) (2008)

to

be

posted

sometime

later

Wednesday, Thursday Morning (Sroda, Czwartek Rano) (2008)

to

be

posted

sometime

later

How to Live? (Jak Zyc?) (2008)

But life isn't simple; if it were, Kuba wouldn't have look for advice. For all Kuba does to improve himself, Ewa never seems to be pleased. He gets a better job, opens up investment accounts and even refurnishes their home but all of these include a downside that Ewa isn't pleased with. Personally, I think Ewa is a drama magnet. I found it very interesting to watch his life unfold as he explored new ways of going about life.

Men and women may interpret this movie differently. Guys may see Ewa as a woman that is nearly impossible to truly make happy. Women, on the other hand, may defend Ewa's viewpoint regardless of Kuba being a nice guy. One thing this movie does particularly well is that the story is pretty believable and most people can relate to at least part of it.

Although some may consider this film to be a romantic comedy as it does have some funny parts, I found it to be more of a coming-of-age story because it has a lot of serious drama and emotion. The acting of our leading pair is excellent so you are bound to feel some kind of reaction from watching them. Jak Zyc (2008) is Szymon Jakubowski's directorial debut.

How Much Does a Trojan Horse Weigh? (Ile Wazy Kon Trojanski?) (2008) Director: Juliusz Machulski; How Much Does a Trojan Horse Weigh? (Ile Wazy Kon Trojanski?) is an entertaining comedy that has a very unique type of humor. Although the trailer makes the film look pretty funny, there are much more serious moments. Yes, there are some funny parts to How Much Does a Trojan Horse Weigh?, but a greater part has psychological drama that can only be described as being a movie directed by Juliusz Machulski. If you have seen any of Machulski's films you will know what I mean. The story is about second chances and getting another try to make a good thing even better. Zosia (Ilona Ostrowska) is celebrating her 40th birthday on New Year's Eve with her daughter and second husband Kuba. But this isn't any New Year's but year 2000, and between the paranoia and excitement there is something magical in store for Zosia. She wishes she was younger and met Kuba earlier so she could have enjoyed being with him sooner. By some strange happening her wish comes true and she goes back twelve years in time. To her shock, Zosia finds herself in bed with her first husband, before the time she became pregnant with her daughter. She is given a chance to live these years again knowing exactly what events shaped and changes the lives of her and her friends. The down side is that she is now in the PRL (Communist Poland) and many aspects of life are backwards compared to the life she just came from. Going through life knowing what will happen has its advantages but it also isn't easy. It is almost a game of cheating fate and is a lot more suspenseful than one might imagine. Besides the funny parts there is ample drama. Some touching moments in this film may even bring some tears to your eye. The work of Juliusz Machulski is well known to those who enjoy Polish films. His two most famous and successful movies are Seksmisja and Kiler. If you are fan of his work or just trying it for the first time, How Much Does a Trojan Horse Weigh? will entertain you and make you wonder why it has this title while you watch it.

Unmoved Mover (Nieruchomy Poruszyciel) (2008)

The next day when the husband and wife do not show up to work, General pays them a visit at home. General finds that the husband has left his wife Teresa (Marieta Zukowska) because he was humiliated the day before. This thriller takes some time to figure out what is going on. Without giving too much away, I can say that it turns out that Teresa is being sexually abused by her boss and several of his associates. It takes a little bit to figure out why Teresa is putting up with the abuse and the extent of her willingness to participate in the ordeal.

The story and the people in it are very bizarre. For a considerable time I was left wondering who in the story was stranger. The General is an obvious whack job, his cronies are not too far behind him and the woman only has a semblance of sanity on occasion. Although Nieruchomy Poruszyciel is suspenseful, its strangeness is distracting. I have to say that the movie starts to get better toward the end when things start to make more sense.

Considering the main plot of Nieruchomy Poruszyciel revolves around Teresa being raped by her coworkers, I have to say that this movie is disturbing. Unless what I have said so far sounds interesting, you probably want to pass on this one.

It's Not What You Think, Honey (To Nie Tak Jak Myslisz, Kotku) (2008)

Dr Hoffman (Jan Frycz) and his wife (Katarzyna Figura) are both cheating on each other but neither one knows about the other's infidelity. Dr. Hoffman brings a nurse named Dominika (Malgorzata Buczkowska) to a conference intending to be romantic with her but tells his wife he will be in another city. His wife decides to bring her lover to a hotel but it happens to be the one the conference is really at. As luck would have it their rooms are in the same hallway.

Things are also complicated because Mrs. Hoffman's lover is being trailed by a private investigator and Dr. Hoffman's assistant, Jakub Bazyl, is expecting his fiancee and her father to show up. To cover up Dr. Hoffman's affair Bazyl lies about who Dominika is but one lie leads to another until the lies grow out of hand and tangle. The web of lies that they create would make any spider envious.

Overall, I think It's Not What You Think, Honey has a good story but actors' interactions are what make it great. I might be going out on a limb but I think this is a film that would even make Stanislaw Bareja proud. I would say it resembles the type of movie that made Bareja famous but by no means is it a copycat. This screwball comedy is an all around fun movie and should make all except for the true stoics laugh.

Ladies (Lejdis) (2008)

to

be

posted

later

And a Warm Heart (Serce na Dloni) (2008)

This film is a drama with a balance of details that come together nicely. Stefan is pretty dejected when his girlfriend goes to Ireland, perhaps for good. He is a kind person but is poor. So in self-defeat Stefan decides to try suicide and doesn't have much luck at it. Konstanty has his goons try to help Stefan kill himself, but they don't tell him it is because they need his heart for a transplant. As you can imagine, there is a lot opportunity for humor here, which adds to making this movie enjoyable.

Of all of Krysztof Zanussi's movies, Serce na Dloni is one of my favorite. It is an uplifting story as the underlying messages concern second chances and having a change of heart. Serce na Dloni has a cast of very well know actors that also includes Krzysztof Kowalewski and Borys Szyc. Doda, the popular singer, makes a cameo in which she sings a song. The great story and acting is enhanced by its captivating music, which is by my favorite composer Wojciech Kilar. Serce na Dloni is one of my favorite Polish films of 2008 because it is fun and draws you in with its great story.

The Offsiders (Boisko Bezdomnych) (2008)

Jacek has a drinking problem and ends up homeless in Warsaw. He makes friends with other homeless guys, many of them who also have problems with alcohol. They eventually decide to play soccer for homeless world cup. Although this is a fictional story, homeless soccer does exist.

But turning a ragtag group of homeless guys into champions is not going to be easy. The story is just as much about all of the team members as it is about their coach. Their stories, and the bits and pieces we learn about them, are just as interesting as that of their leader.

The Offsiders is directed by Kasia Adamik. Interestingly enough, a year after making The Offsiders, Adamik co-directed Janosik: A True Story with Agnieszka Holland. If you are into soccer or not, that really doesn't matter as the story is pretty good and will entertain you just the same.

33 Scenes From Life (33 Sceny z Zycia) (2008)

to

be

posted

later

0_1_0 (Zero_Jeden_Zero) (2008)

to

be

posted

someday

Drowsiness (Sennosc) (2008)

to

be

posted

later

Four Nights with Anna (Cztery noce z Anna) (2008)

We learn details about Leon slowly so it takes a while to figure out if he is just a weird, creepy stalker or something more. Leon displays both signs of being very strange and a kindhearted person so we have reason to believe he could be either one. It took me just about the entire film to decide if I should like the main character or not. There is more to the story than his four nights of break-ins but to say any more would spoil it.

Four Nights with Anna is Jerzy Skolimowski's first Polish language film in over 25 years. For that reason it is considered Skolimowski's return to Polish cinema, but only time will tell if he will make any more Polish films. I would only recommend this movie for mature audiences as there are a couple graphic scenes that are not appropriate for sensitive viewers. It is beautifully shot and I suspect those with an inclination for more artsy films will most appreciate it.

SCRATCH (RYSA) (2008)

to

be

posted

someday

Mr. Kuka's Advice (Lekcje Pana Kuki) (2008) Director: Dariusz Gajewski; Lekcja Pana Kuki (Mr. Kuka's Advice) is the film adaptation of a book written by Radek Knapp. Knapp grew up in Poland, but moved to Vienna and stayed there for over three decades. The main character of the film, Waldemar (Lukasz Garlicki), is similar to the author to some degree. Waldemar spent his whole youth in Poland and only intended to go abroad for a while. After talking to the mysterious Mr. Kuka, he decides to go to Vienna. The story doesn't shy from showing what it is like for a Pole to go to Austria and how they are treated - both good and bad. It also makes fun of the way some Poles try to fit in. Lekcja Pana Kuki is the type of comedy that takes time to build the story for the humor to come out and doesn't approach the type of comedy that includes a lot of outlandish antics to try to get a cheap laugh. The humor is there for us to enjoy when we get to it, while the rest of the movie is doing so much more than what a typical comedy does, leaving us spellbound by all the other happenings. Many of the characters have something mysterious about them and there is something almost magical about the whole story. Although there really isn't anything too unbelievable that happens, there is still something mystical about the world it is showing. It is hard to put my finger on exactly what it is, however the best I can do is say that it is like a world that is a few degrees different than what we normally see. The story is seeped in mystery and only slowly unravels. I would liken the story to a rose. One petal is peeled off at a time, revealing a small clue to the greater meaning of the events and what is going on, but still not revealing what is inside it. At the very end of the film, we see the core and realize it was there the whole time. I won't give away the point, as it is more enjoyable to see for yourself (it sounds like something from Aesop). The movie employs more than one language, so in additional to Polish, I would guess more than half of it is in German (and a little bit in English). Most of the cast is Polish, but a number of the actors are not (such as August Diehl and Nadia Cameron-Blakey). It is worth pointing out that Anna Przybylska is in a steamy sex scene in which her bosoms are bare and seem notably larger than when she was in Kariera Nikosia Dyzmy. In a way, Lekcja Pana Kuki is much like Dariusz Gajewski's earlier film Warsaw, as they are both films about someone seeking an opportunity somewhere else.

Expecting Love (Mala Wielka Milosc) (2008) Director: Lukasz Karwowski; Mala Wielka Milosc (Expecting Love) is a romantic comedy that takes place on two continents. Between LA and Warsaw, this American-Polish love story shows us the story of Ian (Joshua Leonard) and Joanna (Agnieszka Grochowska). Ian, who is a sleazy lawyer, gets a call from a Polish girl he dated one day but the real surprise is that she is pregnant. The catch is she is back in Poland now so if he is to see her, he has to go to Europe. Joanna seems to have the idea that if Ian comes to see her in Poland, he will turn into a nice guy. Yes, her idea is very naive and for it to work would be a miracle. Considering this is a romantic comedy, it isn't hard to figure out what will happen next, however his transformation takes more than a little effort. There are several really funny parts as Ian tries to get by in Poland without knowing the language, but most of the movie is more on the dramatic/romantic side. Agnieszka Grochowska is a great actress and helps make the story work. There are a few unrealistic parts but they are relatively trivial and I will let you find them yourself. This film is much more like an American movie than a Polish one. Like most American movies, it is very predictable. In fact, the majority of it is actually in English. I would only recommend Mala Wielka Milosc for those who enjoy romantic comedies.

Splinters (Drzazgi) (2008)

to

be

posted

someday

Deadly Recording (Zabjcze nagranie) (2008)

Our filmmaker begins to have trouble when he accidentally records the murder of a woman and then becomes accused of being her killer. Kefir gets chased by the authorities and tries to clear his good name the best he can. Although the movie is brief, there are details that foreshadow the coming events so one has to watch very closely to take it all in (or pick them up on a second viewing). A lot of stuff happens in the 25 minutes of this short film so don't blink too often.

Although Deadly Recording feels a bit like a TV movie or B movie, it is a lot of fun. There are more than a few plot twists that keep us on our toes and guessing which direction things are heading next. In addition to the action, there are also a few parts I found very funny and are a nice touch. Besides writing and directing Deadly Recording, Ben Talar and Jakub Poltorak also have short cameo appearances in their movie too. If you are into world cinema or independent films, Zabojcze Nagranie will interest you. There isn't a dull moment in this story in a story so get ready for some intense viewing.

General Nil (2009) Director: Ryszard Bugajski; General Nil is a drama about a true Polish patriot. Emil August Fieldorf's life is unquestionably fascinating and this movie shows us just a part of it, mainly during the 1940s up until his murder by the communists in 1953. What makes this film spectacular is that it is based on a true story and is not merely fiction. Fieldorf masterminded assassinations of high ranking Germans and Polish traitors durring World War II in occupied Warsaw. With the German occupation being replaced by Soviet occupation, Poland was put into a tough situation. Although Nil did not support fighting the Soviets, as he thought it was a useless effort, the Russians saw him as a threat. Fieldorf, along with so many others in the AK (Armia Krajowa or Home Army), were not treated as heroes but as criminals for the crime of defending Poland during the war. General Nil is an important film because so many people that are too young to have witnessed the events in post-war Poland are not aware that such inhumanity occurred so recently. Seeing a police state where even the type of music is controlled by the government is eye opening. If one has ever heard comments about the Soviets being just as bad as the Nazis (or worse), this movie shows the reason why. The inhumane treatment at the hands of the Soviets and communist Poles is appalling. General Nil is directed by Ryszard Bugajski. Bugajski is best known for his masterpiece Przesluchanie (Interrogation), which is a terrifying portrait of Stalinist terror and torture. General Nil is an inspiring and a beautiful tribute to this great man. Although the movie is tragic, it has an amazing story that is absolutely captivating and is a film one must see.

The General - the Gibraltar Assassination (General - Zamach na Gibraltarze) (2009) Director: Anna Jadowska; Review to be posted someday

The Perfect Guy for My Girlfriend (Idealny Facet Dla Mojej Dziewczyny) (2009) Director: Tomasz Konecki; The Perfect Guy for My Girlfriend (Idealny Facet Dla Mojej Dziewczyny) is a satirical comedy that pits the Left versus the Right or more precisely a lesbian feminist group versus a Catholic radio program. Without a doubt these two groups are at odds and this comedy pokes fun at both sides equally. I am sure there is a chance that people who are series members of either of these groups may take offence at something in the film but the rest of us may find it entertaining. Although the basic plot of this movie is a love story I wouldn't call this a romantic comedy and if it is, it really doesn't feel like one. When Kostek gets in the wrong taxicab and sees Luna, it is love at first sight. But Luna already has a girlfriend named Klara Rojek and is a lesbian so Kostek has more than a few things that are in his way of ever being with her. Kostek does whatever it takes to talk to Luna and tries to get her attention, including trying out for a porn movie Klara's feminist group is making. After some lengthily casting, Klara concludes that Kostek is the ideal guy for Luna to star in the film with. Idealny Facet Dla Mojej Dziewczyny breaks some taboos but for a movie that is about making porn, there is actually very little nudity in it. Of course the story is more complicated. Klara Rojek happens to be the leader of a feminist institute and Kostek's uncle happens to be a priest and the head of a popular radio program. There is a good amount of conflict between these two groups but ironically everyone is just a couple degrees away from knowing everyone else in the story. In the middle is a man who has a TV show; both sides want him to give them publicity on his show and both have blackmail material on him so he is more than willing to help them. The acting is great all around but a couple of my favorites are the actors that have been around for a while. Krzysztof Globisz plays the role of Professor Katzowna, a woman who is revered by the Polish feminist group. Daniel Olbrychski has a relatively small role as Dr. Gebauer, who adds a little mystery to the film as we try to figure out who he really is. Idealny Facet Dla Mojej Dziewczyny is directed by Tomasz Konecki, who has become very popular with his recent films Lejdis (2008) and Testosteron (2007). Although I like his other films I have to say that Idealny Facet Dla Mojej Dziewczyny is my favorite. Overall, Idealny Facet Dla Mojej Dziewczyny is a fun movie with some good humor and touches of drama.

Love and Dance (Kochaj I Tancz) (2009) Director: Bruce Parramore; Kochaj i Tancz (Love and Dance) is a Polish dance movie/romantic comedy. Although the story is mostly predictable, like most romantic comedies, it isn't bad. There are a number of things in the plot that don't make sense that you have to ignore to believable the story. If you can get past some of these minor details, the movie is fun, but nothing groundbreaking or spectacular. The story begins with a construction worker guy (Mateusz Damiecki) bumping into a woman (Izabella Miko) on her way to an interview to work for a magazine. They soon see each other again as her first assignment is to do a story about dancers and it just happens that he has ambitions to be a dancer. They both get along well and like each other, but she fails to tell him that she has a fiance already and is getting married soon. There is a lot more to the story with additional sub-stories, but I will leave the rest alone in an attempt to save some suspense. The actors of Kochaj i Tancz deserve mention. There are a lot of recognizable faces from both the older (Katarzyna Figura and Krzysztof Globisz) to the younger (Roma Gasiorowska and Jakub Wesolowski) generations of Polish actors that play small roles or have a cameo. Even the late Maciej Kozlowski has a short role as a taxi driver. Interestingly enough, Poles who left their homeland and became famous for acting in English speaking films have two of the leading roles in Kochaj i Tancz. Jacek Koman left Poland in the early 1980s and stared in well-known films such as Moulin Rouge! and Defiance. Although Izabella Miko's early work was in Polish cinema, she has stared in far more American films since then. From Coyote Ugly to Clash of the Titans, Miko is better known for her English language movies. Interestingly enough, before she got into acting she actually was a ballet dancer.

The Secret Agent (Tajny Wspolpracownik) (2009)

to

be

posted

later

God's Little Village (U Pana Boga Za Miedza) (2009)

Gods Little Village keeps in line with the other two films in that there are new people in town and the priest helps them fit in. This time the new comer is actually a man who lived in King's Bridge over twenty years ago but went to America. Stas returns to his roots, the house his family lived in, and the hope that he can find a decent woman in Poland. There are a few subplots that all fit together nicely. There is also an election for mayor and it turns into quite a fuss for the whole town.

The priest (Krzysztof Dzierma) is funny as usual. He is wise and like a Shepard to his people in town, always offering to help in counsel and support. King's Bridge has a charm and beauty to it and is a place I would love to live. But it isn't just the town itself but the people in it like the priest that makes it so special.

U Pana Boga Za Miedza, as the other two parts, is not a religious film per se but has a few religious people in it. It is a great comedy and you are not going to be disappointed if you like the earlier parts. And just because one of the main characters is a priest doesn't mean there isn't a little brief nudity, this is a Polish movie after all.

Sweet Rush (Tatarak) (2009)

The title of the movie gives us an idea of what the movie is about and where it will take us. Tatarak (Sweet Rush) is a plant that grows along rivers that can smell fragrant when rubbed between one's fingers but like death when the reeds are crushed.

Mrs. Marta (Krystyna Janda) lives in a small town somewhere in Poland. Her husband is a doctor (Jan Englert) who keeps himself busy with his work but she never complains. Their two sons passed away in the war and there is an element of sadness still in them because of that. Living in a town where everyone knows each other by name, Mrs. Marta befriends a young man who is younger than her sons would have been. Their meetings give her a new energy but their time together is short and ends unexpectadly.

Janda's monologue gives us insight into her life, which also has parallels with some parts of the story. Her story is tragically sad but also gripping. Considering that Krystyna Janda's acting debut was in Wajda's Man of Marbel (1977), it is fitting that over twenty years later they work together again on such a personally meaningful film. Tatarak is dedicated to Krystyna Janda's late husband, Edward Klosinski, who was the cinematographer for Man of marble and dozens of other Polish films.

Sex Change (Zamiana) (2009)

To compound matters, his wife decides to run for president against him, putting more than some tension on the family. The changes go beyond that as he starts to become a feminized man, both figuratively and literally. Likewise, his wife starts to act and dress like a man. Armageddon is just down the road in a world where men want to act like women and women want to act like men, while the younger generation is left neglected. Their daughter seems to have more sense than both of them as she tries to break the spell they are under.

Zamiana is not a serious movie, not in the least -- it is actually quite outlandish. The supernatural side to the story gives it an odd feeling and brings us to very ridiculous places. And some of those places are places where we didn't want to go to. Zamiana has dramatic orchestra music that one would expect in the Star Wars soundtracks, which works well at times and yet, seems out of place the rest of the time. Zamiana is Konrad Aksinowicz's directorial debut. While the film pulls the viewer in several directions, the battle of the sexes Zamiana presents has a few humorous moments, but I don't expect it to win many awards.

The Dark House (Dom Zly) (2009)

to be

posted

someday

Reverse (Rewers) (2009) Director: Borys Lankosz; On my last trip to Poland, my brother-in-law gave me a lot of insight into what has happened in Poland recently. He explained to me that what is "different" is now in vogue. Whatever is different is now fashionable; whatever is bizarre is now interesting; whatever is abnormal is now cool. His comments helped me understand some of the subtle changes that are now occurring in Poland. Rewers (Reverse) is a bit different than other Polish films. The story takes place in the 1950s (which is shot in black and white) and the present time (which is in color). Using black and white in order to create a mood like the story was in the past isn't an original idea in Polish cinema (as the 1982 film Matka Krolow did the same thing), but it does work. Rewers is even different in the way it is shot. The black and white is beautiful, with lots of wide screen shots that work well. It also uses techniques such as having the center of the screen in focus and the sides blurry (which is a bit different). Oddly enough, the story is predictable. Both me and the person I watched it with were able to foresee what was going to happen next, including some very far out things, which all did happen shortly later (although we both saw different things coming). Part of the predictability has to do with it plays up on stereotypes. Don't get me wrong, there are some surprises to the story even if you figure out the coming events beforehand. But not all of these surprises are pleasant as it has a couple of strong sex scenes that are all too common in some Polish films. In other words, this film is inappropriate for children as it graphically depicts a rape. After watching the movie I couldn't make sense of the title right away, but the comments of my brother-in-law came back to me. Everything in the film was a little different - it wasn't what I expected and was on the atypical side. This film showed what is trendy in Poland now, so little wonder it won a number of awards. If it is different it is good - what else is "reverse" if not throwing normal on its head?

The Lesser Of Two Evils (Mniejsze Zlo) (2009)

to be

posted

someday

Snow White and Russian Red (Wojna Polsko-Ruska) (2009)

to be

posted

someday

Nigdy Nie Mow Nigdy (2009) Director: Wojciech Pacyna; Polish cinema changed a lot by the late 2000s. Although a great deal more films were made annually than earlier, quite a few are kitsch. Films were made to show off wealth, with special effects and flashiness intended to hide the weaker stories. Ultimately, these movies are not intended to have deeper meaning or artistic value, but rather to be entertaining. Oddly enough, these movies are remarkably similar to the types of films that were made in Poland before the war. Although I wouldn't say Nigdy nie mow nigdy (Never Say Never) is entirely kitsch, it is a "chick flick" that is meant to be amusing and is very similar to the many other Polish romantic comedies that were made in the late 2000s. It isn't a simple romantic comedy because there isn't a whole lot of romance or comedy in it (although a few parts are funny and there is some "ryki tyki tak" that takes place so I guess it can pass for a romantic comedy). The story is about a young woman named Ama Bilska (Anna Dereszowska), who is a successful headhunter. She isn't getting any younger and wants to have a child very badly, but according to her doctor it doesn't appear she can conceive. She is faced with the irony that when she was younger she didn't want to have a child, and now that she is older, she wants one very badly. The story gets into issues related to wanting to be a parent and being a parent. We get to see these issues from at least a couple angles, if we look for them, so there is some balance to the story. Although we may all make our own conclusions, it seems to me that Ama makes most of her own problems. She can be quite moody and her emotions seem to run wild, so the way things are presented isn't too far from real life for many people. Nigdy nie mow nigdy is the type of movie that your wife or girlfriend will like to watch (or more simply - one that women in general will find appealing). The movie could have done a couple things differently to make it more guy friendly, so don't expect your husband or boyfriend to be thrilled by it (unless he really likes "chick flicks"). The only reason why I have to rate this movie high is because it does exactly what it is intended to do and it does it well.

Blind Fate (Slepy traf) (2009)

Blind is tired of the business and wants to get out, but he knows that it isn't going to be easy leaving his boss. Blind is a big Chuck Norris fan and has a special relationship with him -- Chuck actually appears to him giving his spiritual guidance. Although Chuck Norris (or actually his Polish look-alike Jacek Pieniazek) is in this movie, he is more of a guardian angel or advisor and not the main attraction in this action film. Blind wears a big cross and likes to quote a part of the Bible, so if a religious gangster is going to have a spiritual mentor, it might as well be Chuck Norris.

Blind Fate is an unusual action movie that is much harder to predict where the story is going than many other films so it is that much more suspenseful. Although most of the movie appears serious in tone at first, with the exception of a few parts that are clearly funny, it isn't as solemn if we look again. After all, just about everything I wrote so far doesn't sound usual or normal so the big picture is more entertaining than chilling.

Galerianki (Mall Girls) (2009)

These girls are very immature and it shows. They are fowl mouthed and annoying. They judge the worth of someone by how new and flashy their cell phone is. Overall, I found the story to be very sad. Seeing Alicja, who was a good girl, slowly turn into a skank because of peer pressure and wanting to fit in is truly heartbreaking.

The movie is shocking for several reasons including the fact that they are so young. The lead roles are played exceptionally well and are totally believable. It is especially notable as it is the first movie for Anna Karczmarczyk and Dagmara Krasowska (who plays the leader of the bad seeds). Their interplay works great and really makes the story come alive.

Galerianki is Katarzyna Roslaniec's debut feature film. Roslaniec did an exceptional job writing and directing this film. The director also made a short in 2006 with the same title three years earlier. Galerianki reminds me of Czesc Tereska but is less artsy. I am sure there is going to be some British fellow who may think I don't get out much and that nothing in the movie is shocking, but to each their own opinion. Galerianki is great for those who enjoy strong dramas.