polish
List activity
38 views
• 1 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
35 titles
- DirectorWojciech SmarzowskiStarsBartlomiej TopaArkadiusz JakubikJulia KijowskaComic and tragic scenes from the lives of police officers in the Warsaw Traffic Department.The newest movie in the list and I am 100% sure it will be a cult movie. Action, mystery and a fair amount of humour. The first you need to see!
- DirectorOlaf LubaszenkoStarsMaciej StuhrCezary PazuraMichal MilowiczA satirical look at the gangsters of Poland and some teens who accidentally get involved with them.One of the best comedies in Poland, I know (and half Poland knows) every sentence by heart. Before you watch, give me a shout, I will send you subs I made myself, since it is hard to find good ones online.
- DirectorWojciech SmarzowskiStarsMarcin DorocinskiAgata KuleszaMalwina BussRose, a German widow, hides from Russian soldiers who like to rape women and fights off Polish refugees who will steal everything she has. She gets help when Tadeusz, a former Polish officer, arrives looking to hide from his past.Second best movie by Smarzowski (Traffic department). More harsh and humourless, describing the events in post-german regions, seized by Poland after World War two. No doubt a must see.
- DirectorAgnieszka HollandStarsRobert WieckiewiczBenno FürmannAgnieszka GrochowskaA dramatization of one man's rescue of Jewish refugees in the German-occupied Polish city of Lvov.A story almost impossible to believe, but true, based in the city of Lviv (Seized by the Soviet Union after WWII).
- DirectorKrzysztof KrauzeStarsRobert GoneraJacek BorcuchAndrzej ChyraTwo entrepreneurs become tangled in the web of a Russian thug.One of the most award winning Polish movie from the 90s. Based on true story, showing how weak the polish police was after the communist times was when facing organised crime.
- DirectorXawery ZulawskiStarsBorys SzycRoma GasiorowskaMaria StrzeleckaAn aggressive thug has problems with his girlfriend. Over the course of several chaotic days he walks around the hood, takes drugs and confronts himself with other women.Personally, this is one of my favourites, and it would get 10/10 if it was a little bit more clear, but you either hate it or love it. Totally abstract, this book adaptation gets you inside the head of a polish "Ned" and his adventures with girls. Sadly, without reading the book you will not get the whole picture, but you may try :) Besides, it is almost untranslatable, therefore You may not like it as much as I do.
- DirectorKonrad NiewolskiStarsArkadiusz DetmerAndrzej ChyraJanusz BukowskiA man falsely accused of assaulting an old woman tries to adapt to his new life in prison.The harsh life in a Warsaw prison, not based on true story, but similar happens quite often. Can't miss this one!
- DirectorWojciech SmarzowskiStarsMarian DziedzielTamara ArciuchIwona BielskaA wealthy small-town wiseguy organizes the wedding party for his daughter. As the party begins, unexpected events start to occur and disturb the party for the hosts and guests alike.The movie, that made Smarzowski (Traffic Department, Rose) famous. The story of a small village wedding, and trust me, weddings DO look like that in Poland :)
- DirectorAndrzej WajdaStarsTeresa IzewskaTadeusz JanczarWienczyslaw GlinskiIn 1944, during the Warsaw uprising against the Nazis, Polish Lieutenant Zadra and his resistance fighters use Warsaw's sewer system to escape the German encirclement.Not only based on true story, but filmed by people who survived it. The last days of the Warsaw Uprising in the 1944, the saddest story in Poland's history.
- DirectorJuliusz MachulskiStarsRobert WieckiewiczJózef PaleczkaBorys SzycAfter several years of serving his sentence, Cuma - a notorious art thief is released from prison due to his poor health. It was all arranged by dealer Gruby who plans a heist of the famous 'Lady with an Ermine' by Leonardo da Vinci. Cuma is contracted to steal the painting. He invites his former partner Julian to join the team, not knowing that his best friend is now a policeman and will do anything to prevent the heist. Julian seeks cooperation with an old forger Hagen and a beautiful young art student Magda.The based polish "Heist" movie, obviously, we did not have many :) Nice plot and well played, worth watching.
- DirectorOlaf LubaszenkoStarsMaciej StuhrKarolina RosinskaMichal MilowiczKuba, a young cartoon artist who works as a waiter at sophisticated parties, falls in love with beautiful Noemi and accidentally gets involved in gangster affairs.The second cult comedy from the director of "Boys don't cry" and most of the cast. Worse dialogues, better jokes. Must see!
- DirectorWojciech SmarzowskiStarsArkadiusz JakubikMarian DziedzielKinga PreisThe story takes place in two parallel time planes. The first plot follows the events of one autumn night in 1978. Edward Srodon, a zootechnician, makes an accidental stopover in a farmhouse of Dziabas family in the remote area of Bieszczady Mountains. He stays for the night. The initial distrust between the guest and his hosts is quickly dispelled with moonshine and turns into a camaraderie, intimacy and even friendship. A plan of making a joint business arises, as well as passion and lust, which lead to a surprising and tragic consequences... Second plot is set on a winter day, during the Martial Law in Poland. An investigating team of Milicja Obywatelska (People's Militia) is visiting the crime scene. Lieutenant Mroz is trying to solve the multiple murder case from four years ago. The tool he has to his disposal is the reconstruction of events with help of the chief suspect, Srodon.Another Smarzowski movie, but I would be careful with this one. The best description I have ever read about this one is: "The movie is so appalling, that I felt an urge to take a shower after watching it". Following a criminal mystery in a small village in the eastern polish mountains, late 70s. Enough said :)
- DirectorWladyslaw PasikowskiStarsBoguslaw LindaMarek KondratCezary PazuraIn the good old days Franz Maurer and his partners from the secret police used to live like kings. Now, they all must adapt to a new post-communist environment where they are scorned and losing all privileges. Some, like Franz, are like ordinary police fighting against drug dealers. But Franz will soon find out that some of his friends are on the other side.Another movie, besides "Boys don't cry" that most polish citizens know by heart. Describes the transfer in Police Departments after introducing Democracy in 1989. Very shocking and realistic, especially since it was made only 3 years after the conversion.
- DirectorJan KomasaStarsJakub GierszalRoma GasiorowskaAgata KuleszaAfter suffering extreme humiliation at school, Dominik holes himself up in his room and begins spending all his time in a virtual reality chat room.The best director debut of 2011, the first movie I have seen in a cinema, where people did not leave during the final credits. You just have to sit and think it over after watching it.
- DirectorMarek KoterskiStarsMarek KondratJanina TraczykównaAndrzej Grabowski24 hours in the bitter life of a frustrated divorced teacher who stays in the vicious circle of his numerous obsessions.You may hate the main character, but if you live in Poland, you MUST agree with him. Both depressing and extremely funny. The most famous film by Koterski (you will see him few more times in this list).
- DirectorLukasz PalkowskiStarsMarcin KwasnySonia BohosiewiczGrzegorz PalkowskiA young photographer moves to Praga, the most notorious district of Warsaw, known for common crime and alcoholism as well as unique folklore. This experience will have much impact on both his personal and professional life.A movie based in all-time favourite neighbourhood in Warsaw, you will not believe it is actually happening in a city. Sadly, it is also the most dangerous "el Barrio" in Warsaw, if you don't know the locals. Definitely worth seeing.
- DirectorMarek KoterskiStarsMarek KondratAndrzej ChyraMichal KoterskiSon's painful memories of his father's lifelong alcohol addiction turn to be traumatic for both of them. These memories make them realise the booze inheritance in their family. Will they get out of this vicious circle?Koterski's most depressing movie, focusing on the area of Alcoholism. His own son played one of the main roles and please note, all his films are based on his biography.
- DirectorTadeusz ChmielewskiStarsMarian KociniakJanina BoronskaAdam CyprianThe adventures of unlucky Polish soldier Franek Dolas during world war II. In September he escapes from Stalag and goes to France. After that he fights in Africa and Europe.I don't know anyone in Poland who does not love the movie. The title means "How have I commenced the WWII" and it is the only polish comedy movie based in WWII. In 3 episodes, we follow a polish marksman through different fronts of WWII, including Bavaria, France, Africa and finally, back to help the compatriots. One of the films that never gets old.
- DirectorPawel BorowskiStarsRobert WieckiewiczBogdan KocaZbigniew KonopkaA story about love and hatred, about those who cheat and who are cheated, about violence and sex and surprising secrets which we learn within these strange twenty four hours.The storytelling in this movie can be compared to "11:14" or Amores Perros. Not the greatest, nevertheless very good.
- DirectorKatarzyna RoslaniecStarsAnna KarczmarczykDagmara KrasowskaDominika GwitShopping malls are today's places of creating desires with the best jewelry, clothes and shoes. Unaffordable to young girls who decide to "work" to get themselves sponsors for new items.Best director debut of 2009, describing how materialism forces young girls to prostitution. Hard to believe, sadly happening in Poland.
- DirectorMaciej SlesickiStarsBoguslaw LindaAgnieszka WlodarczykCezary PazuraLeon, the 40-year-old former soldier who is an alcoholic now, gets a job as a bodyguard. His duty is to take care of one of the Mafia leader's daughters. His problems begin when he falls in love with the 16-year-old girl.Three words - BEST PETITE EVER! The most controversial movie in the 90s, since the main female was not even 16 when shooting this. Some call it the polish "Léon the professional".
- DirectorMarek KoterskiStarsCezary PazuraMarek KondratEwa BlaszczykTracks the hilariously bumbling, calamity-ridden life of director Adam Miauczynski. Both his career and his romantic relationships are suffering, but, since his total lack of common sense is at the root of his problems, he has no idea how to set things right again.Koterski take 3. Despite the title, it is very funny, maybe not for the main character.
- DirectorKrzysztof LukaszewiczStarsLeszek LichotaAgnieszka PodsiadlikWieslaw KomasaThe story unfolds about the murder of an old man living in a remote village and six locals who may have been connected with the murder. Things get messy when the dead man turns out to be an ex convict. The accused ones find it very hard to deal with the preconceived attitude. The villagers, led by the families of the accused, have to fight for their innocence.Lynch law as it finest, you will not feel pity for the victim. Based on a true story.
- DirectorMitja OkornStarsMaciej StuhrRoma GasiorowskaTomasz KarolakA romantic comedy set on Christmas Eve in Warsaw and centered around a series of characters.If you like "Love actually" you will also love this one. Probably the only good polish romantic comedy.
- DirectorRobert GlinskiStarsFilip GarbaczBogdan KocaDorota Wierzbicka-Matarrelli14-year-old Tomek falls in love with Marta. Being poor he seeks ways of earning money so as to please her. He approaches a man who was seeking people for work. Not realizing the man is a pimp, Tomek has no idea of what awaits him.One of the most shocking story that is actually happening on the German-Polish border. Worth to see but not a must.
- DirectorMaciej SlesickiStarsBoguslaw LindaDorota SegdaOla MaliszewskaA father, who is in the middle of a brutal custody battle with his mentally ill wife, fights relentlessly for the right to take care of his 7-year-old daughter.If you have seen the previous 90s movies in this list and liked them, catch up with this one too. If not, you can skip it. Shows how sometimes it is best for the kid to stay with the father after divorce.
- DirectorMarek KoterskiStarsAdam WoronowiczRobert WieckiewiczMalgorzata BogdanskaTwo middle-aged male friends are travelling together by car and expressing their thoughts and emotions connected with women.What we actually think about girls in one movie. 95% of the movie is placed in a car ridden by two guys talking only about women. Worth to see, but may get boring in the second part.
- DirectorStanislaw BarejaStarsStanislaw TymBarbara BurskaChristine PaulThe main character is the manager of a sport club, nicknamed "Teddy Bear" by his friends and acquaintances. One day he is detained at the border just as his sport team is off to a tournament - somebody has torn out a few pages from his passport. It occurs to him that perhaps his ex-wife has done so to get her hands on their joint account in a London bank. Therefore, he has to get to London as soon as possible in order to transfer the money to a different bank. The solution is a movie, made by his friend. The script requires a double role, thus the search for a character is announced. The double has to apply for the passport, and that is solved through a girlfriend who agrees to play dope's new fiancée. At the engagement party he is slipped a drug, and Teddy Bear runs off to the airport with the false passport. On the plane, however, he meets his ex-wife...Both the movie and the late director are cultivated in the Polish culture as gods. The bravest movie describing live in the communists times in Poland, still hard to believe it passed through the censorship.
- DirectorWojciech HasStarsZbigniew CybulskiIga CembrzynskaElzbieta CzyzewskaUpon finding a book that relates his grandfather's story, an officer ventures through Spain meeting a wide array of characters, most of whom have a story of their own to tell.Woody Allen's favourite foreign movie, obligatory to see if you study in the US movie academy (seriously). May appear abstract, you may have to watch it twice.
- DirectorJuliusz MachulskiStarsWieslaw MichnikowskiJerzy StuhrOlgierd LukaszewiczTwo scientists are placed into a 3-year hibernation, but when they wake up, it turns out to have been 50 years, and they are the only two males in a new underground society composed exclusively of women.The only Sci-Fi movie filmed in the communists times in Poland and it's a comedy! A future without men, disturbed by a sudden discovery of two last men hibernated 50 years earlier.
- DirectorCzeslaw PetelskiStarsZygmunt KestowiczEmil KarewiczTeresa IzewskaBecause of the danger involved and the harsh conditions, wood transport drivers, working in the forests of south-east Poland, are going to quit their jobs. A party activist arrives to make them change their minds.Watch the hardship of rebuilding the country after WWII from the perspective of ex-convicts working as lumberjacks in the mountains. The constant hazard of heights, snow and cold is brightened after a girl enters the base. But women don't always bring luck...
- DirectorBorys LankoszStarsAgata BuzekKrystyna JandaAnna PolonyA story about women, set in the present and in 1950s Warsaw. The main character is Sabina, a quiet, shy woman who has just turned thirty. Clearly, she lacks a man in her life. Her mother knows all about it and tries at all costs to find her daughter a good candidate for a husband. The whole situation is controlled by the grandmother, an eccentric lady with a sharp tongue from whom no secret can be concealed. Successive admirers arrive at the pre-war tenement where the women live, but Sabina is interested in none of them. One day, appearing out of nowhere, comes the charming, intelligent, and terribly good-looking Bronislaw. His presence will spark off a series of unexpected events revealing the darker side of the women's nature.A perfect crime done in self-defence. Worth to see because of the times set in (Warsaw just after WWII).
- DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsAdrien BrodyThomas KretschmannFrank FinlayDuring WWII, acclaimed Polish musician Wladyslaw faces various struggles as he loses contact with his family. As the situation worsens, he hides in the ruins of Warsaw in order to survive.If you haven't seen this one, do it. Roman Polanski at his finest.
- DirectorAndrzej MunkStarsBogumil KobielaMaria CiesielskaHelena DabrowskaThe story is an odyssey of a little man through Poland of 1930 to 1950. It shows his attempts to cope with a changing world which seems to have no place for him. He has no consciousness of any kind but is always on the verge of turning into a more coherent human being, only to be slapped down. It begins with the hero's childhood. Then comes the first love marred by his unwilling involvement in fascict politics, him being taken for a Jew because of his nose. Later he decides to join the army to charm the girl, but arrives too late for any fighting. He is arrested by entering German troops while he dresses in officer's uniform and mistakenly sent to POW camp as an officer.Very good situational comedy, not only for old-timers.
- DirectorYurek BogayeviczStarsHaley Joel OsmentWillem DafoeRichard BanelA twelve-year-old Jewish boy hides with a family of Catholic peasant farmers to escape the Nazis.Worth to see because of the cast and the plot. But personally, we have way to many movies like that in Poland :)