Films About Poland:
“Cold War”, 1998
Director: Tessa Coombs
A visually stunning film by Paweł Pawlikowski that chronicles the complex love story between a musical director and a young singer set against the backdrop of the Cold War in the 1950s and 1960s, moving between Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia, and Paris.
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Anatoli Dobrynin, Robert McNamara, Vladimir Yerofeyev, George Elsey, Sir Frank Roberts, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Wojciech Jaruzelski, Vladimir Kryuchkov, Clark Clifford;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: documentary, history;
Rating: IMDB: 8,7;
“Ida”, 2013
Director: Paweł Pawlikowski
Set in the 1960s, this film directed by Paweł Pawlikowski follows a young woman on the brink of taking her vows as a Catholic nun. When she discovers a dark family secret dating back to the Nazi occupation, it changes her life forever.
Starring: Agata Kulesza, Agata Trzebuchowska, Dawid Ogrodnik, Jerzy Trela, Adam Szyszkowski, Halina Skoczynska, Joanna Kulig, Dorota Kuduk, Natalia Lagiewczyk, Afrodyta Weselak;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 82 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Ida” on the website imdb.com
“The Deluge”, 2002
Director: Bill Viola
This epic historical drama directed by Jerzy Hoffman is based on the novel by Henryk Sienkiewicz. It portrays the Swedish invasion of Poland in the 17th century, focusing on heroism, romance, and the fight for national freedom.
Starring: Cali Ross;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: short film;
Duration: 32 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “The Deluge” on the website imdb.com
“Korczak”, 1990
Director: Andrzej Wajda
This biographical film directed by Andrzej Wajda tells the story of Janusz Korczak, a Polish-Jewish educator, children's author, and pediatrician who ran an orphanage for Jewish children in Warsaw during the Holocaust.
Starring: Wojciech Pszoniak, Ewa Dalkowska, Teresa Budzisz-Krzyzanowska, Marzena Trybala, Piotr Kozlowski, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Jan Peszek, Aleksander Bardini, Maria Chwalibóg, Andrzej Kopiczynski;
Production year: 1990;
Genre: drama, war, biography, history;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Korczak” on the website imdb.com
“Man of Iron”, 1935
Director: William C. McGann
Another masterpiece by Andrzej Wajda, this film serves as a sequel to his earlier work “Man of Marble” (Człowiek z marmuru), focusing on the Solidarity movement in Gdańsk and the political turmoil of the time. It won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Starring: Barton MacLane, Mary Astor, John Eldredge, Dorothy Peterson, Joseph Crehan, Craig Reynolds, Joe Sawyer, Joe King, John Qualen, Bill Elliott;
Production year: 1935;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 61 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
These films, among others, provide a glimpse into the diverse experiences and rich history of Poland, showcasing the resilience and bravery of its people through the lens of cinema.
In conclusion, films about Poland encapsulate the rich tapestry of the nation's history, culture, and resilience through breathtaking storytelling and remarkable cinematography. They provide audiences worldwide with a window into Poland's soul, from its fights for freedom to the indomitable spirit of its people amidst adversities. Whether it's through the lens of historical events, as seen in “Katyń” or “The Pianist,” or through intimate explorations of human connections within a Polish setting like in “Ida” and “Cold War,” these films contribute immeasurably to our understanding of Poland’s complex identity. They not only entertain but also educate, challenge, and inspire empathy, bridging cultural gaps and nurturing a global appreciation for Poland’s unique narrative. It's through these cinematic endeavors that the world can recognize the depth of Poland's contribution to both history and the arts, rendered profoundly and poignantly on screen.
