In my opinion this is a very good movie. Great music. Great production. Very long but also very interesting story. I hope more polish movies will be on such good level of production quality and story-telling as this movie is. It was a pleasure to watch this movie. Wlosak and Fabianski played their roles very natural and convicingly. I don't know the true story. I don't care. The movie is awasome!
31 Reviews
How I feel as a GUY
lalsop-2238516 January 2022
Apart from the blatant rip off of an origional gangster movie when they played golden brown it was OK.... I was lost for the first hour then again inbetween. Overall.....OK. .......................................................................
Ok, but boring as hell
feyd_12 January 2022
It's done quite well, but loo long, too boring.
Previous movie from this director was much better probably due to more condensed screenplay. Maybe a directors cut that will be twice shorter will be better 🤔 Still OK to watch if you like this type of movie.
Previous movie from this director was much better probably due to more condensed screenplay. Maybe a directors cut that will be twice shorter will be better 🤔 Still OK to watch if you like this type of movie.
Gangster without the epos
kosmasp16 January 2022
This does try to be as epic as possible - and there are I can imagine some who will view this as epic. The story seems to lend or rather bend itself towards that notion. However its self awarenes more likely than not will annoy more than it will entice. And the running time ... sometimes less is more ... way more.
While the movie never shies away from situations (whether violence or sexual nature), it never gets too explicit. For better or worse - you have to decide if that bothers you or not. The other thing is: this is loaded with characters ... most of whom you'll probably forget or wist you never heard of in the first place.
I did not research if this is based on real characters/people/events. It wouldn't matter to me, not sure how you feel about that. Anyway, at 3 plus hours I just wish it would have been a lot shorter - did I mention I feel this is way too long? I did? Well can't hurt to say it again - or maybe it does - like the movie driving home certain points and character beats ... time after time.
While the movie never shies away from situations (whether violence or sexual nature), it never gets too explicit. For better or worse - you have to decide if that bothers you or not. The other thing is: this is loaded with characters ... most of whom you'll probably forget or wist you never heard of in the first place.
I did not research if this is based on real characters/people/events. It wouldn't matter to me, not sure how you feel about that. Anyway, at 3 plus hours I just wish it would have been a lot shorter - did I mention I feel this is way too long? I did? Well can't hurt to say it again - or maybe it does - like the movie driving home certain points and character beats ... time after time.
Too long for its own good
mdhermannn18 January 2022
If they wanted to flesh out the story so much, they should have just made it a mini series. The film has serious timing issues and gets tiring after an hour. Acting was good but the screenplay didn't do the actors any favours. The characters often felt one note and not like actual human beings, that exist outside of their relation to Nikos. I usually don't mind breaking the fourth wall for exposition but they really overused it. When it comes to relatioships beetwen characters, they should stick to "show don't tell" in the future...
Superb. I had to watch twice
km3721 January 2022
I never normally leave reviews, but felt compelled to after watching this.
This is one of the best films I've watched in a very long time. It left me thinking of it long after I watched it, and not many can make me do this.
Not only was the acting some of the best I've seen in a while-especially the main character who plays Nikos, who really gives you a deep understanding and empathy towards the character, but also the film is so visually artistic and not forgetting the soundtrack, Moby and Paulo Nutini being the two best tracks to stir up your emotions at the films ending.
Cannot fault this film, and it's one that will stay with me for a long time.
This is one of the best films I've watched in a very long time. It left me thinking of it long after I watched it, and not many can make me do this.
Not only was the acting some of the best I've seen in a while-especially the main character who plays Nikos, who really gives you a deep understanding and empathy towards the character, but also the film is so visually artistic and not forgetting the soundtrack, Moby and Paulo Nutini being the two best tracks to stir up your emotions at the films ending.
Cannot fault this film, and it's one that will stay with me for a long time.
DOP is all over the place
mike-0824815 January 2022
I see pavo tubes all over the place. Orange and teal, green or red lights when there is none visible in the wide angle. To much stage lightning. The first 5 minutes it looks slick, but after that I noticed all the scenes are so fake staged you are dragged out of the story all the time.
I got the feeling the director wanted to have all the Hollywood tricks in one film and forgot to keep it plain simple and the focus on directing.
The cast also feels off. I never had the feeling that they were gangsters. More like a group of school boys playing foolish. I do not know the original story, but maybe this is Polish mafia? Boring AF.
I got the feeling the director wanted to have all the Hollywood tricks in one film and forgot to keep it plain simple and the focus on directing.
The cast also feels off. I never had the feeling that they were gangsters. More like a group of school boys playing foolish. I do not know the original story, but maybe this is Polish mafia? Boring AF.
Movie to watch with great actors and story
andraz9316 January 2022
Definitely a movie to watch. The directing is refreshing combined with great actors and story makes it unique.
Either way it seems long at first, the story of not a typical gangster takes you completely in throughout his life of girlfriends, smuggling, and actions.
Definitely recommended for those who appreciate non-american movies!
Either way it seems long at first, the story of not a typical gangster takes you completely in throughout his life of girlfriends, smuggling, and actions.
Definitely recommended for those who appreciate non-american movies!
Too long for a movie.
pyahoo23 March 2022
It is a trend in Poland to celebrate gangsters operating in 80' and 90'. I've watched movie carefuly and there is no sign about human disaster like rapes, money taking, business taking. Movie is toooo long about what is treated about.
Just Awful!
bodysentry15 January 2022
Main things to talk away from film:
1.) Too much monologging
2.) Smoke much?
3.) Have sex with a different woman every other scene much?
4.) Can the lead act? Or simply smile like James Franco very 10 minutes.
5.) The music was alright, a little tired.
6.) A fine attempt at Martin Scorsese like directing.
3.) Have sex with a different woman every other scene much?
4.) Can the lead act? Or simply smile like James Franco very 10 minutes.
5.) The music was alright, a little tired.
6.) A fine attempt at Martin Scorsese like directing.
This will be my Classic when times goes by
SpaceCowboy8921 January 2022
SOLID 8!!(almost a 9!!) Why? Read about this below:
This movie is really well made , filmed, dosent look at any moment cheap or " just made " because of it , the creators put alot thought in this and you can see it.
Acting very good from all actors ( Main actor has a new Fan in me , gonna check out his other work for sure ) Camera work/different/changing(that warehouse camera work excellent !!) angles and capturing moments/pictures excelent Capturing feelings, moods and showing it through video is fantastic like when he takes the first time cocaine etc When he opens the door at the Gala, and then stands there in front of his wife and his old apartment as his younger himself, I felt that! Been through a lot in a 3 hours long film , I felt that nostalgic moment 'what a different life it was back then' Loved the symbolic usage in this movie like that the last window is fake/only decoration ( a peaceful night with a moon and a endless lake / the end for him ) and it's on a brick wall , so he can't escape anymore like previously before , it's the end of the road. And there is many of sympolic scenes in this.
You couldn't end the movie better , it ends on a positive feeling despite showing him dead ( real footage ) I think the creators did the family justice with this . What I didn't like that much: first and only that's why it isn't a straight 9 on my list!!
-Why do the native Germans don't speak Fluent German? ( me as polish/German ) bothered this so much!! , and this mistake could be so easy to be avoid ( especially when it's a big part of the story what is based on real life ) only the Police Defective guy was speaking German Okey'ish. ( wish I would understand German for that time , big no go )
-The Downfall came a little quick
Other then that 3 hours or not if you like crime/gangster movies this is a TREAT!!
( ah yes before I forget THE music, freakinggggg great fits in every scene, perfect symbiosis between picture and music )
.
Acting very good from all actors ( Main actor has a new Fan in me , gonna check out his other work for sure ) Camera work/different/changing(that warehouse camera work excellent !!) angles and capturing moments/pictures excelent Capturing feelings, moods and showing it through video is fantastic like when he takes the first time cocaine etc When he opens the door at the Gala, and then stands there in front of his wife and his old apartment as his younger himself, I felt that! Been through a lot in a 3 hours long film , I felt that nostalgic moment 'what a different life it was back then' Loved the symbolic usage in this movie like that the last window is fake/only decoration ( a peaceful night with a moon and a endless lake / the end for him ) and it's on a brick wall , so he can't escape anymore like previously before , it's the end of the road. And there is many of sympolic scenes in this.
You couldn't end the movie better , it ends on a positive feeling despite showing him dead ( real footage ) I think the creators did the family justice with this . What I didn't like that much: first and only that's why it isn't a straight 9 on my list!!
-Why do the native Germans don't speak Fluent German? ( me as polish/German ) bothered this so much!! , and this mistake could be so easy to be avoid ( especially when it's a big part of the story what is based on real life ) only the Police Defective guy was speaking German Okey'ish. ( wish I would understand German for that time , big no go )
-The Downfall came a little quick
Other then that 3 hours or not if you like crime/gangster movies this is a TREAT!!
( ah yes before I forget THE music, freakinggggg great fits in every scene, perfect symbiosis between picture and music )
.
2hrs too long
filipmail13 January 2022
Where is the All Powerful State?
ConsDemo20 January 2022
Others have commented on the plot, acting and other aspects of moviemaking, so I'll discuss the backdrop. Much of the movie spans the 1970s through the 1990s in Poland and most of that time, the country was under a Communist government, but you'd hardly know it.
It is true that Poland practiced a slightly softer version of Communism than say, East Germany or the Soviet Union. It is also true that the image of the well functioning Communist state was built on lies, there was plenty of corruption, crime networks existed and there were the illicit rich. Having said that, the state was still all powerful in Communist countries and anyone of any means had to bribe and cajole members of the party and security apparatus to maintain their status. Yet this is hardly shown at all in the movie.
That aside, it's still a good and entertaining, if a times bizarre, flick.
It is true that Poland practiced a slightly softer version of Communism than say, East Germany or the Soviet Union. It is also true that the image of the well functioning Communist state was built on lies, there was plenty of corruption, crime networks existed and there were the illicit rich. Having said that, the state was still all powerful in Communist countries and anyone of any means had to bribe and cajole members of the party and security apparatus to maintain their status. Yet this is hardly shown at all in the movie.
That aside, it's still a good and entertaining, if a times bizarre, flick.
Terrible
ivetaetienne28 July 2022
Not bad Not good either
xxmartynnxx13 January 2022
I've seen some Polish movies in Netflix and I loved most of them. Especially Polish comedy is really my thing which I've seen 5 Polish comedy movies. This movie at the beginning seemed really good, amazing songs, amazing editing etc. However, on the middle of the movie, it starts to be a little bit confusing. To the end of the movie, it begins to lose your interest because it is a little bit long movie (3 hours). They could've made better job with this movie. It could've got easliy 7 or maybe 8 score from me but it couldn't. Lastly, movie has a few hollywood cliches and that made me slightly uncorfotable. Also I should mention that this movie based on real story.
Just Wow
longfilmstory13 January 2022
Not best one
ramirez3016 March 2022
How I fell in love with this movie
dfehunt14 January 2022
For someone who has watched Casino 7 times and Goodfellas 8 times I can say that this movie blew me away. If being on mushrooms is like this I certainly going to try that one day. Salut to everyone who made this movie possible.
Ho-Hum Film About Old 1980s Poland -How I Fell in Love with a Gangster
arthur_tafero20 October 2022
The venue of this film is interesting; Poland in the 1980s. That is seldom a setting for a motion picture released in the US. And, unfortunately, the content of the film is so mundane and cliched, that it will be difficult for the next hopeful Polish film to open in the US as well. The primary reason for this is that the plot of the film is just so hackneyed, and has been done many dozens of times before by Hollywood (and far better). Good girl falls for Bad boy; bad boy becomes big time gangster. So what, who cares? There is no sympathy for the gangster; only for his unfortunate girlfriend; and that is not enough to hold up the film. Don't waste your time.
Polish reality
czakilbn21 January 2022
This film perfectly shows Polish reality. If you are not familiar with how Poland looked at that times then is must to watch for you.
Acting is good. Great scenario, little bit boring at some moments but everything is important to get know a story of one of the famous Polish gangsters.
If you like films worth to spend that time in front of the screen.
Acting is good. Great scenario, little bit boring at some moments but everything is important to get know a story of one of the famous Polish gangsters.
If you like films worth to spend that time in front of the screen.
Brilliant realistic
marwood-4678114 January 2022
I'm not sure why this outstanding film has received such low ratings. Personally I think this is an epic film.
Tomasz Wlosok is brilliant as Nikos. He's very charming and charismatic. All the cast were superb. But Tomasz Wlosok charming grin and performance is absolutely outstanding.
Tomasz Wlosok is brilliant as Nikos. He's very charming and charismatic. All the cast were superb. But Tomasz Wlosok charming grin and performance is absolutely outstanding.
Story with a bit of everything
milutinovic-mirko16 January 2022
If you like movies you will like this one. This new generations anything that lasts more then 1 hour its to long. They can concetrate on anything. Movie has a soul and the main actor rly did a good job to feel for him while not being a real gangsta. Gangsta with a soul with morale! I loved it. For me 3 hours of heaven and the soundtrack is so good that in times takes u away, awesome.
Amazing
kalilajoyce14 January 2022
Polski ' Irlandczyk' / Polish 'Irishman' [PL/ENG]
kaplaboss17 January 2022
Dobra gra swiatel jak na Polskie kino, romantyczna spokojna ballada z mafia w tle. Zachowujac wszelkie proporcje momentami przypominal skad inond swietnego Irlandczyka.
A good light game for Polish cinema, a romantic, calm ballad with the mafia in the background. Keeping all the proportions, at times he reminded me of a great Irishman.
A good light game for Polish cinema, a romantic, calm ballad with the mafia in the background. Keeping all the proportions, at times he reminded me of a great Irishman.
Great movie!
hegeduspatrik22 January 2022
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