This is one of the best TV drama series about WW2 I have ever seen. The DVD set with the English subtitles works fine for anglophone audiences. The depiction of how Poland's anti-Nazi resistance was organized and run is absolutely riveting. Interesting connection with the British Special Operations Executive (many characters are parachuted in from England) which rather knocks the socks off the relatively pantomime experience of Foyle's War. Strong female characters. Nice sub-plot about a romance between a Jewish girl and a Polish insurgent. Great shoot-outs with the Gestapo. There are good guys and bad guys of every nationality. This series is a vital addition to anyone with a WW2 collection that includes Band of Brothers and Foyle's War.
Minor complaints: some of the special effects are implausible (hand grenades do not cause flaming explosions, but a shower of shrapnel). The costumes all look too new and too cared-for to be plausible; the characters look too groomed and healthy for WW2 Poland. I would prefer the German characters to speak to each other in German rather than in Polish.
But as I say, these are minor issues that do not detract from the really excellent acting, directing and screenplay. Really engaging complexity, surprise and emotional engagement with the characters. The story lines are gripping and full of massive suspense, which compelled me to watch all 600 minutes (13 episodes) across a single weekend!
Series should especially be aired in every country with a Polish community e.g. USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia. It is a must buy for any 2nd or 3rd generation Poles wanting to get close to their roots, or anyone getting married to a Pole, or anyone about to do business in Poland, to learn about the country.
Grab a Polish beer, sit back, and enjoy!
