It’s a new year, but once again we focus on the past. This time, we present five best Polish flicks we still haven’t written about before. However, these are the ones you should definitely watch (if you haven’t yet)!
Kuba (dir. Jan Dybus) – this sports biopic tells the poignant story of Kuba Błaszczykowski, one of the most important football players of his generation. We learn how bittersweet his life has been. Although he became a successful footballer, his tragic childhood somewhat defined him and shaped his strong character. Now, in his most personal film project, Błaszczykowski and his closest relatives open up to Jan Dybus about the player’s journey. Kuba is a fine addition to Małgorzata Domagalik’s superb interview with the footballer, also called Kuba.
Dawid Podsiadło – Dokumentalny (dir. Tomasz Knittel) – We all love a decent documentary film, don’t we? In this case, it’s like a promotion, bundle 2 in 1. Not only do we get an entertaining story, but also one about Dawid Podsiadło, one of Poland’s favourite musicians in the last couple of years. It’s an intimate film, which portrays Podsiadło’s latest tour across Poland. Even though we don’t learn a lot about the 31-year-old artist, we have a chance to see him in his most emotional state. How it is to be an era-defining musician in Poland? We might get some answers in Knittel’s documentary.
To nie mój film (dir. Maria Zbąska) – “Are they able to save this love?” asks Maria Zbąska in her new feature film, at times reminding us of a cameral documentary. To nie mój film tells the story of a couple that goes on their (maybe?) last journey. They have a crisis in their relationship and this voyage is the last buoy that might save it. But, is it still worth saving? Zbąska made a drama that works like a mirror: we can all see each other in it.
Biała odwaga (dir. Marcin Koszałka) – Telling the story of an infamous Goralenvolk, Marcin Koszałka’s Biała odwaga is one of the best films made in 2024. Koszałka once again proves how well he executes the most important elements in storytelling, like dialogues, tempo and performance. Therefore, we cannot forget about his casting: Sandra Drzymalska, Filip Pławiak and Julian Świeżewski become a remarkable love trio, full of passion, desire and lust. When war meets tenderness, anything can happen.
Napad (dir. Michał Gazda) – The last film is a suggestion for all those nostalgic dreamers, who really miss the cinema from the past. Gazda’s Napad is a Polish crime thriller made in the style of those 1990s productions, full of plot twists, action, juicy dialogues and archetypical characters, most often cops fighting the bad guys. It is highly advised not to read anything about its plot. So, it only suffices to say that the main role is played by the legendary Olaf Lubaszenko. It should be enough of a recommendation to turn on Netflix and play the film on.
Author: Jan Tracz
Photo: Pixabay
