Popular reviews

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  Review by AntoniusBlock7 ★★★★

  This documentary is almost entirely composed of Andrzej Wajda sitting at a desk and commenting on selected movies from his career – how they were made, his battles with the censors, what key scenes meant to the Polish viewing public, etc. We see selected clips from each film but it’s by no means a complete description of them or their context, so some background in Polish history is helpful. It makes for an excellent jumping off point if you want to explore Wajda’s films though, and there is something very touching about seeing the director speaking so eloquently about six decades of his work in the final year of his life – he died at age 90 a couple of…

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  Review by Zak Goodwin ★★★

  In terms of advancing the documentary format, this is nothing special, but as a showcase for its subject, it’s obligatory. Wajda remains a great orator and an essential film figure, and his insight and explanations behind his own creative decisions, aesthetic goals, and the political/historical/social context surrounding the production and release of his films is as absorbing as it is informative.

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  Review by Patrick Hao ★★★½

  Every great director needs a doc like this where they talk about their films over clips.

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  Review by elderdeacon ★★★★

  Very fortunate that I saw this movie. Wadja is Poland's most famous director. I have never seen one of his movies. What a great filmmaker! Looking forward to seeing more of his films. Over his 50 year career he made dozens of films, most of them under the heels of censorship, first by the post- World War II, occupying Russians, and then the communist Polish government.
  This movie has the director sitting at a table and explaining his movies as clips are played. He was nearly 90 years old, still very sharp and enthusiastic. He died soon thereafter and shortly just before its debut. At first, I wasn't engaged, but spectaular clip after clip drew me. Brilliant filmaker.

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  Review by Gregory Wood ★★★★

  Awesome documentary