pawcio

This is a film which truly touches the heart and mind. One man's life which has an impact on all around him. His patience for his best friend, his forgiveness for family and enemies, his love for someone elses child. This is not Hollywood but real life. Our eyes are definitely opened and we realise that we too can give to others and not expect in return. On the technical side, the photography and music are beautiful, and the acting unpretentious. In my humble opinion, it should without a doubt be nominated for an Oscar, and also go a step further and collect the golden gentleman. Unfortunately, with Italian (Pinnochio), French (8 Women) and other heavyweights, it stands little chance. There is always, however, a light at the end of the tunnel. Pozdrawiam.

After reading the book and being quite riveted to it, I was quite looking forward to the new film version. I was unfortunately disappointed. I felt I was watching a very rushed version, and sadly many of the important issues had been changed, I believe, for commercial and "21st century" reasons. Gavin Hood, it would seem, tried to get through the filming as quick as possible. I do believe a Polish director should have stood at the helm of this project, although I understand that a director on site had to be found asap once the initial Polish director fell ill. What does stand out are the photography and the music, as well as the young actress playing Nell. Unfortunately, Fidusiewicz as Stas doesn't pull it off. All well and good for children, although it strays from the book and will probably confuse them with the "facts". Doesn't match up to the original film.

A film which many were looking forward to. Not surprisingly as it is the most expensive film in the history of the Polish film industry ($18 million). Unfortunately, it doesn't pay off. One wonders where all the money went. I watched the film with two friends, one an actor who is a good friend of many of the actors in the film. After ten minutes, he was shaking his head, stating with unbelief at the terrible acting of the lead player Pawel Delag (Vinicjusz). We wanted to like the film, but we felt we were watching a TV play and the film was only saved in moments by the formidable acting of Boguslaw Linda and Jerzsy Trela. I must, however, applaud the excellent lion scene in the arena. With this I don't have qualms - excellent effects - this only saves five minutes of an over long boring 180 minutes. Oh, and one more thing, at times I felt I was watching a soft porn movie - what a shame!! That fact in itself was a big "turn-off", and they have school children watching this. Very sad.