As a devoted fan of the original novel and its previous cinematic adaptations, I had high hopes for the latest movie adaptation. While I did appreciate the film's attempt to capture the spirit of the era in which it is set and the commendable performances of the main character as well as portraying of Zoska, I was left thoroughly disappointed by the numerous changes made to the original story.
One of the most significant flaws in this adaptation was the unnecessary alterations to the order of events. In the original story, Kosiba's remarkable surgical skills were showcased when he cured Wasilij's legs, which built up to his daring attempt to operate on Marysia's head. However, this version inexplicably reverses this sequence, making the surgical intervention on Marysia's head seem far less impressive. This alteration completely ruined the tension buildup that was so integral to the original narrative.
Furthermore, I couldn't help but wonder why certain characters were changed or omitted altogether. The absence of the original Wasilij left me puzzled and yearning for the depth and complexity he brought to the story. Zoska, while excellently portrayed, is a completely new character that simply doesn't exist in the source material. This departure from the original characters left me feeling disconnected from the story I love.
One of the most frustrating changes was the decision to turn Dr. Dobraniecki into an absolute villain. In the original story, characters had shades of gray, and their motivations were complex and understandable even when they committed morally questionable acts. However, this adaptation reduces the characters to a simplistic "good vs. Bad" narrative, reminiscent of the formulaic plots seen in Hollywood superhero movies.
Moreover, the film lacks the depth and nuance that made the original story so compelling. It fails to explore the characters' motivations and struggles in a meaningful way, opting for a superficial approach that ultimately falls flat.
In conclusion, this movie falls short of capturing the essence and depth of the original novel and its previous adaptations. It sacrifices the intricate character development and moral ambiguity that made the story so captivating in favor of a more conventional and simplified narrative. For those who appreciate the source material, I recommend revisiting the 1982 version instead, which remains a more faithful and satisfying adaptation proving possible to represent such rich material in little over 2 hours. I give this latest adaptation a disappointing 4/10.
One of the most significant flaws in this adaptation was the unnecessary alterations to the order of events. In the original story, Kosiba's remarkable surgical skills were showcased when he cured Wasilij's legs, which built up to his daring attempt to operate on Marysia's head. However, this version inexplicably reverses this sequence, making the surgical intervention on Marysia's head seem far less impressive. This alteration completely ruined the tension buildup that was so integral to the original narrative.
Furthermore, I couldn't help but wonder why certain characters were changed or omitted altogether. The absence of the original Wasilij left me puzzled and yearning for the depth and complexity he brought to the story. Zoska, while excellently portrayed, is a completely new character that simply doesn't exist in the source material. This departure from the original characters left me feeling disconnected from the story I love.
One of the most frustrating changes was the decision to turn Dr. Dobraniecki into an absolute villain. In the original story, characters had shades of gray, and their motivations were complex and understandable even when they committed morally questionable acts. However, this adaptation reduces the characters to a simplistic "good vs. Bad" narrative, reminiscent of the formulaic plots seen in Hollywood superhero movies.
Moreover, the film lacks the depth and nuance that made the original story so compelling. It fails to explore the characters' motivations and struggles in a meaningful way, opting for a superficial approach that ultimately falls flat.
In conclusion, this movie falls short of capturing the essence and depth of the original novel and its previous adaptations. It sacrifices the intricate character development and moral ambiguity that made the story so captivating in favor of a more conventional and simplified narrative. For those who appreciate the source material, I recommend revisiting the 1982 version instead, which remains a more faithful and satisfying adaptation proving possible to represent such rich material in little over 2 hours. I give this latest adaptation a disappointing 4/10.