Barbara Rachwalska Movies

Although young Wladek (Michal Juszczakiewicz) comes from a lowly peasant family in Poland he accumulates enough "points" in the school system to get admitted to the acting academy in Warsaw to study with his more sophisticated urban colleagues -- which is where his troubles begin. Once at the academy, he is ribbed for his peasant-like speech, behavior, and clothing, and he has yet to develop defenses against the loose men and women of any sexual orientation who easily take advantage of him. Just when Wladek starts to garner respect, strength, and some savvy insights, his mother shows up to see how he is doing. This semi-autobiographical account by director Franciszek Trzeciak is the kind of straightforward satire on life in the entertainment business that strikes a cord with anyone who can remember the pains of growing up. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Talented Polish director Agnieszka Holland who would be better known in later years because of her films like Europa, Europa (1991) or some of her American works like Washington Square (1997), hits the mark early and again with this ostensible story about provincial actors in Poland. In reality, the comedy-drama can be read as a commentary on the contemporary Polish scene in politics and society. The story begins as a savvy director arrives in a small town to put on a stage play. His leading man is filled with insecurities and goes beyond the confines of his lead role to expand his part, restore his cut lines, and generally outdo himself while taking on some of everyone else's job, including the director's. No one wants to lose him because of his drawing power, and the director is caught in a bind. At the same time, the lead actor's wife is slowly losing her chances at success, being relegated to a much lesser position in the troupe. This fine comedy won the Fipresci award at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

The Last Stop (original Polish title: Ostatni Etap) explores in excruciating detail the treatment of women inmates in the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz. The film is nearly impossible to watch at times; surely, you'll try (but fail) to tell yourself, no civilized nation was capable of such bestiality. Most of the story is told from the point of view of Michelle (Huguette Faget), who finally escapes the camp, more dead than alive. The fact that the film was produced only a few years after Auschwitz was liberated adds to the gruesome immediacy of the tale. The Last Stop was written by Wanda Jakubowska and Gerda Schneider--both of whom were Auschwitz survivors. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi