directed by Xawery ¯u³awski, tragicomedy, 108 min, eng subtitles
An adaptation of the bestselling novel by Dorota Mas³owska (who also appears in the film, Wojna polsko-ruska - the same as the book - divided the Polish critics and public. Seen by some as the Polish version of Trainspotting, ¯u³awski's film is clearly different from any other movie produced by Polish cinema after 1989.
Both hilarious and engrossing, Wojna polsko -ruska tells a story of Silny, a product of the post-communist era in the 21st century.
Silny doesn't get on well with his girlfriend Magda. Their love is a constant battle. When he's told in a bar, that Magda has left him for a local bonzo, Silny, full of anger and sorrow, takes the audience on a crazy trip. In his company we meet extravagant women: And¿ela - a sensitive goth/emo; Natasza - a barszcz sniffing junkie; Ala - a pseudoreligious seducer...and Dorota Mas³owska herself in the role of a policewoman.
And of course there is Magda. Always Magda. Can Silny win her back?
The outstanding performance by Borys Szyc, an unforgettable Maria Strzelecka, Sonia Bohosiewicz and Roma G¹siorowska - Wojna polsko-ruska is an absolute must for anyone wishing to learn something real about Poland in AD 2009, even if some of us might disagree with this chaotic, brave and non-conformist picture.
The screening will be followed by a discussion with the director Xawery ¯u³awski and the actress Maria Strzelecka
Awards:
Gdynia Film Festival 2009 (Silver Lion and Best Actor for Borys Szyc)
Plus de détails en français ici