Foreign Films, Polish, True Story, War, World War II, Theatrical Release, WWII, Soldiers
Description
With KATYN, celebrated Polish director Andrzej Wajda delivers a sweeping drama that exposes an oft-overlooked moment in WWII history. After the Nazis stormed into Poland, Stalin ordered Russian soldiers into the country as well, in order to oversee the imprisonment of all Polish officers. As these prisoners fearfully struggled to make sense of what was happening to them, the women in their lives--wives, siblings, mothers, daughters--anxiously awaited their return. Though mystery shrouded the events that were to unfold, these women eventually learned the bitter truth. Sadly, they were ordered to remain silent due to post-war Poland's dependence on Russia.
Though he won an honorary Oscar in 2000, Wajda proves with KATYN that he has no intention of slowing down. Based on a novel by Andrzej Mularczyck (POST MORTEM), Wajda elevates it into a work of pure cinema. It helps that he's chosen some truly accomplished collaborators: Pawel Edelman's richly textured cinematography and Krzysztof Penderecki's powerful, resonant score help to further establish an atmosphere of beautiful sorrow. The cast--including Maja Osteszewska, Artur Zmijewski, and Andrzej Chyra--rise to the challenge as well, bringing a humanity and warmth to their characters that pack an even more devastating emotional punch.
DVD Features
Region 1 NTSC Keep Case Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - Polish Subtitles - English Additional Release Material: Interviews: 1. Director Andrzej Wajda Featurette: 1. Polish Premiere: Interviews and Reactions Text/Photo Galleries: Photo Galleries
I thought the Oscar winner for best Foreign Film in 2007, The Counterfeiters, was excellent. While this was also a compelling film, I agree that the right decision was made. One would not be... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on February 17, 2009
Reviewed by: Jarrod
'Katyn' is centered on the massacre of approximately 20,000 Polish POWs in 1940; it was one of many tragedies that befell Poland during WWII, when it was occupied by both the Nazis and the Soviets,... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on August 12, 2009
