Well the moment you start watching a Polish movie you know that you will see some movie that is based on reality and not the usual Hollywood-crap that is coming to us. And how many little errors there might be in here, I'd rather wanna see this instead of X-Men number 1234. The story is about two men who are seeking for old used metal which they hope to sell and as the mob seems to be involved everywhere in East Europa, it's no different here as well as this gang is ruled by the two so-called brothers who have no mercy. And certainly not when they discover that their sister is pregnant of Edi. The sad thing is that Edi never has touched the girl but she is so in fear that she just names an easy victim and what then happens is the deepest humilation a man can have. Call it cinema verite or whatever, Edi is a beautiful piece of Polish cinema. Not the best in his sort but definitely worth watching!
31 Reviews
Love and sacrifice in Poland
Red-12521 November 2005
Edi (2002), directed and co-scripted by Piotr Trzaskalski, was shown at the Rochester Polish Film Festival at the Little Theatre.
Henryk Golebiewski plays Edi (pronounced "Eddie"), an intelligent and gentle intellectual, who has ended up literally and figuratively on the scrapheap--he collects scrap metal on the street. His business partner, Jureczek (played by Jacek Braciak) is neither intelligent nor particularly gentle. (The relationship between the two men reminded me of the relationship between George and Lennie in "Of Mice and Men.") The two live at the fringe of society, barely making enough money to keep a roof over their heads and liquor in their systems.
Two brutal gangsters--known only as "The Brothers," hire Edi to tutor their sister so that she will pass her high school examinations. The sister, Princess, played by Aleksandra Kisio, is attractive in a nubile adolescent way, and Edi falls in love with her. This love leads Edi to make two immense sacrifices for Princess--sacrifices that will change his life forever.
The film also stars the luminous Polish actor Malgorzata Flegel-Siedler as Krysia, a woman whose relationship with Edi provides us with his "back-story."
This is a sad film about bad things happening to a kind and gentle man. It's not cheerful or cheering, but it's serious, well made, and worth seeing.
Henryk Golebiewski plays Edi (pronounced "Eddie"), an intelligent and gentle intellectual, who has ended up literally and figuratively on the scrapheap--he collects scrap metal on the street. His business partner, Jureczek (played by Jacek Braciak) is neither intelligent nor particularly gentle. (The relationship between the two men reminded me of the relationship between George and Lennie in "Of Mice and Men.") The two live at the fringe of society, barely making enough money to keep a roof over their heads and liquor in their systems.
Two brutal gangsters--known only as "The Brothers," hire Edi to tutor their sister so that she will pass her high school examinations. The sister, Princess, played by Aleksandra Kisio, is attractive in a nubile adolescent way, and Edi falls in love with her. This love leads Edi to make two immense sacrifices for Princess--sacrifices that will change his life forever.
The film also stars the luminous Polish actor Malgorzata Flegel-Siedler as Krysia, a woman whose relationship with Edi provides us with his "back-story."
This is a sad film about bad things happening to a kind and gentle man. It's not cheerful or cheering, but it's serious, well made, and worth seeing.
Good
Kuba_D2 February 2007
"Edi" has lost a lot thanks to the medial attention given to it. The viewers of the film that are watching it today expect no-one-knows-what while they are just going to get a film about the simplicity of life. That's it and that's a lot.
A story about a homeless philosopher - that sound like an idea for a problematical story filled with a lot of cynical opinions about the feeling of guilt. And somehow Piotr Trzaskalski managed to make a film both simple and wise, without being to pretentious. It isn't important that Henryk Gołębiewski starring in the leading role is sometimes a bit overwhelmed by the outstanding supporting performance by Jacek Braciak. It isn't important that the main character's quotes sound a bit fake. "Edi" gives a feeling that the film is honest, sincere and quite unusual for the Polish cinema. It is "artistic" but not pretentious and absolutely understandable. It is situated in one of the saddest surroundings but is not filled with depression. Even the criminals aren't presented as tough gangsters, but as little wise guys which is more closer to the truth about Polish criminal world. And whatsmore the film is optimistic and without a fakely glued happy end.
A story about a homeless philosopher - that sound like an idea for a problematical story filled with a lot of cynical opinions about the feeling of guilt. And somehow Piotr Trzaskalski managed to make a film both simple and wise, without being to pretentious. It isn't important that Henryk Gołębiewski starring in the leading role is sometimes a bit overwhelmed by the outstanding supporting performance by Jacek Braciak. It isn't important that the main character's quotes sound a bit fake. "Edi" gives a feeling that the film is honest, sincere and quite unusual for the Polish cinema. It is "artistic" but not pretentious and absolutely understandable. It is situated in one of the saddest surroundings but is not filled with depression. Even the criminals aren't presented as tough gangsters, but as little wise guys which is more closer to the truth about Polish criminal world. And whatsmore the film is optimistic and without a fakely glued happy end.
hollywood ending? no..., special effects? no..., perfect performance? no..., just life
crio2k328 January 2003
I was a little bit far from praising this movie on the base of people's opinion. Had to go to the cinema and watch it by myself and despite of sitting next to a very special woman i was able to take a lot from this production:). here it is what i mean...
It ain't any of those Hollywood crap, nor u won't find here astonishing fx/play/even plot & surrounding. it's just the longer you watch it, the more you feel the sense of this movie. what is it? maybe parabolised reality ? or maybe it's not parabolised at all - simple, pathetic, dull & dirty, but still worth of cope with it. there's popular way of thinking "you are tough if you can fight the fate", actually the main character shows, the real heroism is to dare & want to live accepting the pain, misfortune & life just as it is.
There is no need to tell you what's the movie about-if you like independent productions, don't afraid to feel, think intensively just go to the cinema, you won't regret.
It ain't any of those Hollywood crap, nor u won't find here astonishing fx/play/even plot & surrounding. it's just the longer you watch it, the more you feel the sense of this movie. what is it? maybe parabolised reality ? or maybe it's not parabolised at all - simple, pathetic, dull & dirty, but still worth of cope with it. there's popular way of thinking "you are tough if you can fight the fate", actually the main character shows, the real heroism is to dare & want to live accepting the pain, misfortune & life just as it is.
There is no need to tell you what's the movie about-if you like independent productions, don't afraid to feel, think intensively just go to the cinema, you won't regret.
A gem
wd0024 November 2002
This is an amazing movie on many fronts and it falls into that category that you don't mind seeing over again. Although the premise of watching the a movie about junk collectors is not appealing, this is really a feel good movie with humour that will have you thinking all the way home. Made apparently on a skimpy budget, with no stars and some amateur cast it really shows what brilliant movie making can be when a good story, script, direction and photography as well as crew talent are all combined.
Some people see parallels between Edi and American Beauty and there seem to be a few but IMO there is more depth to Edi. In Edi the clearly pictured, focused and simply told with bitter-sweet humour (although the latter may be missed on non Polish audiences) take on life and our role in the world overall, is much neater and with more depth than that of the characters in American Beauty. All of this is done avoiding Hollywood sentimentalism.
I really cannot find any weak points in the movie. I do hope that this is a sign of the blossoming of a new breed of Polish film makers. Go and see it.
Some people see parallels between Edi and American Beauty and there seem to be a few but IMO there is more depth to Edi. In Edi the clearly pictured, focused and simply told with bitter-sweet humour (although the latter may be missed on non Polish audiences) take on life and our role in the world overall, is much neater and with more depth than that of the characters in American Beauty. All of this is done avoiding Hollywood sentimentalism.
I really cannot find any weak points in the movie. I do hope that this is a sign of the blossoming of a new breed of Polish film makers. Go and see it.
EXCELLENT MOVIE
zbysior21 March 2003
smooth movie on friendship and heroism
jaga221 January 2003
It's the best movie in 2002 for me. Today's life of almost everybody is in horrible rush, crying for more money, more fancy dresses, exotic food, faster cars etc. We forgot the meaning of true friendship, simple love, everyday devotion. The guy called Edi is very poor one, jobless, homeless, alcoholic. But he works on his own - he picks scrap everyday to feed him and handicapped friend, living with him in ruins. He smiles everydays, helps to smile other guys, tries to make the world around more happy. Edi falls in love very badly and he is faithful to the girl in really heroic way. That simple guy is great man. After the movie I was ashamed I ever complain on my own life.
Call to your girl and go to see this movie, it's worth your time!
Call to your girl and go to see this movie, it's worth your time!
Christmas Eve is when we want it to be
ev_vy20 December 2002
These are the most memorable words uttered by Edi, who subjected to all kinds of obstacles has the strength to live his life, the strength that puts many of us to shame.
"Edi" is one of the most sad and most cheerful, ugliest and most beautiful films I have ever seen. It is sad because it shows the life which all people would like to avoid and the life which is ignored, forgotten and yet it exists. It is cheerful, because Edi tries to live his life the best he can. It is ugly, because it shows this side of life we all wish to forget. It is beautiful, because it shows that even junk collectors be honest, valiant and unyielding.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who wants to be reminded that there is goodness and beauty even in the ugliest, poorest, seemingly worthless people.
"Edi" is one of the most sad and most cheerful, ugliest and most beautiful films I have ever seen. It is sad because it shows the life which all people would like to avoid and the life which is ignored, forgotten and yet it exists. It is cheerful, because Edi tries to live his life the best he can. It is ugly, because it shows this side of life we all wish to forget. It is beautiful, because it shows that even junk collectors be honest, valiant and unyielding.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who wants to be reminded that there is goodness and beauty even in the ugliest, poorest, seemingly worthless people.
Amazing
2klbgirl3 September 2004
This is film was simple, but amazing. It was showing they way that others live, we all don't not live in the same conditions. And at times, many of us complain about our living situations and are aware that we deserve much more. But to watch someone, who you knows they deserves more, but has so much content for his life is simple amazing. He has so much knowledge, so much that he is able to deal with the fact that the life with get dealt with, we should make the best of it.
Edi's strength show so many of us had to deal with the our complex situations, the one's we deal with everyday. And the one's we feel we cannot handle, it is best to just take on this situations with the knowledge that we have. And just deal with them as the pass us in our lives.
Edi's strength show so many of us had to deal with the our complex situations, the one's we deal with everyday. And the one's we feel we cannot handle, it is best to just take on this situations with the knowledge that we have. And just deal with them as the pass us in our lives.
Neo realism or faux-realism
oneforjule8 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
After boring 90 minutes, I felt my times was completely wasted. If you like Kieslowsy, look somewhere else. To some people, it is artistic to portrait poor lives. It is sometimes true (Monster, Rossetta) and most time false. Edi is perfect example of how silly "art house" movies can be. A basic requirement for a basic movie is internal logic. It was obvious that the princess was protecting someone and having Edi as the easy cover up and the brothers did not suspect that. It was so ridiculous to have someone cut his balls off without fighting back even this is the kind of character the movie makers are trying to give to Edi. Don't even mention the Christmas crap, what a cheap cliché. I agree with Godard, a bad Hollywood action movie is much tolerable than a bad European art movie.
Very, very good
kolik_pl9 January 2003
That's an amazing story. Too bad, Edi has a few drawbacks, that disqualify that picture from the "The best movies ever made pantheon". What I mean ?
-the gangster brother's team was rather funny than sad and scarry, it doesn't fit to the rest of the film -the story with a girl was to literate and infantile -some clever words spoken by the main character, paradoxically, were too trivial and too childish
The main thing that was spoiled in this movie is the difficulty of keeping all the scenes in the same climate, the same track. This film is unequal, irregular. It has amazing moments worth the Oscar, and some really bad and weak moments.
There was so close to an amazing, really amazing movie... actually it's "only" very, very good.
But, let's say the truth, with all the today crap like all (most, sorry) of the brain less Hollywood movies - Edi shines like a diamond in the sun.
Anyway, it's a must see !
-the gangster brother's team was rather funny than sad and scarry, it doesn't fit to the rest of the film -the story with a girl was to literate and infantile -some clever words spoken by the main character, paradoxically, were too trivial and too childish
The main thing that was spoiled in this movie is the difficulty of keeping all the scenes in the same climate, the same track. This film is unequal, irregular. It has amazing moments worth the Oscar, and some really bad and weak moments.
There was so close to an amazing, really amazing movie... actually it's "only" very, very good.
But, let's say the truth, with all the today crap like all (most, sorry) of the brain less Hollywood movies - Edi shines like a diamond in the sun.
Anyway, it's a must see !
Over Alls
tedg3 October 2007
There are two film communities that carry special expectations for me. One of them is Polish film. Its probably not fair, but Kieslowski and Polanksi seem to be more than film geniuses. They seem to reflect a certain manifest spirit of the people that is coherent and close to the surface. One gets the illusion that Poland is a place where ordinary motions and lives are easily revealed as lovely, wound with an attractive, unornamented motion.
So any Polish film comes to me with the expectation that it will be special. I have just the opposite expectation for Czech and Hungarian films for instance. I expect them to simply struggle.
This is a film that let me down for the only reason that it is Polish. If you do not know it, there are events that don't quite matter. The thing is a sort of meditation on the perfection of placement within flows of hopelessness. Its all about grace in motion, and does some superb work in conveying the story cinematically. For instance, there are many high overhead shots of our two junkpickers moving gracefully, usually through dank urban residue. These are complemented by similar drifting shots from the side, many with portals and revealing planes.
So the man with the eye surely know what he was doing; and he is successful in giving us pure visual language that gets to the heart of the thing. Its not nuanced, woven in any way, so after a bit you wonder if this is all: a canvas with no paint. So its the guy with the pen that seems to have decided that a simple tone is good enough. So what you end up with is something not worthy of Poland, an art film that can serve as a date movie is your date isn't deep enough to be interesting.
There are some story knots: the ex-girlfriend and his brother; the tales of a past untold; the small laughs about junk. But it could have been a film that mattered.
Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.
So any Polish film comes to me with the expectation that it will be special. I have just the opposite expectation for Czech and Hungarian films for instance. I expect them to simply struggle.
This is a film that let me down for the only reason that it is Polish. If you do not know it, there are events that don't quite matter. The thing is a sort of meditation on the perfection of placement within flows of hopelessness. Its all about grace in motion, and does some superb work in conveying the story cinematically. For instance, there are many high overhead shots of our two junkpickers moving gracefully, usually through dank urban residue. These are complemented by similar drifting shots from the side, many with portals and revealing planes.
So the man with the eye surely know what he was doing; and he is successful in giving us pure visual language that gets to the heart of the thing. Its not nuanced, woven in any way, so after a bit you wonder if this is all: a canvas with no paint. So its the guy with the pen that seems to have decided that a simple tone is good enough. So what you end up with is something not worthy of Poland, an art film that can serve as a date movie is your date isn't deep enough to be interesting.
There are some story knots: the ex-girlfriend and his brother; the tales of a past untold; the small laughs about junk. But it could have been a film that mattered.
Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.
Best European movie of 2002
baristugrul8221 November 2006
I saw this movie in Festival on Wheels held in Ankara and I was quite impressed by the way the director tells about the story of two men in a very simple but at the same time in a very impressive manner. It's not a simple story of two homeless Polish men, but a successful reflection of the life through those two heroes. In general, it also proves that though there haven't been many productions released in recent years, Polish cinema industry has a very strong tradition and well-characterized film language of superior quality. I'm looking forward to seeing the new works of P. Trzaskalski and young talent Marek Lechki.
The movie which returned my belief in humanity.
malgorzata_c19 November 2002
It's an extraordinary movie, which made me feel like in a fairy tale. There are no people like Edi in the real world and simultaneously even you can be such a person! All depends on you, on how you cope with the others, how you realize your dreams and hopes, how you perceive and meet dreams of your friends, relatives and even enemies. Finally, it all depends on the matter whether you have a will to resign from your own happiness to make some other people happy. Even if it costs your tears. As they say in "Edi" - "Christmas Eve is whenever you want it to be ..." This is one of the very few sad movies with a positive thought. The one which makes you feel stronger and more believing in the existence of good people, while it ends with lost of the most precious dream of the main hero.
Sad but also uplifting, touching the heart & mind.
pawcio30 January 2003
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.
A nearly flawless film that deserves the overwhelming praise it has received. Without a doubt one of the best films of the year!!
voiceofthepeople3 June 2003
What a wonderful movie! I can't stop thinking about it. Don't be embarassed to clap at its conclusion. You won't be alone in your admiration. EDI earns a perfect 10 from this jaded movie goer. Heartfelt and compassionate are two words I would use to describe the film. It packs so much emotion into an 1 hour and 30 minutes or so. Its amazing. Wow. Kieslowski comes to mind. If you are not a bigot and have an open mind start with the "Three Colours" trilogy if you haven't seen it. Anyone know when EDI will be available on DVD?
The best film in Europe in 2002!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lukasz01210 January 2003
I do not want to spoil the whole effect decribing it so you must go to cinema and watch it!!I promise-you won't regret it.You will even thank me for recommending it.It is nominated for an Oscar and I hope it will get it cause it is really special film about special men.There are such a people don't notice them.It s the high time we did!
Edi
kasia-kaczmarek19 November 2002
Well, I'm from Poland, so I know that film( I saw it yesterday) and I want to say that it's wonderful story. I hope that many peoples in other countries will have occasion to see it! It's worth to spend 1 hour and 35 minutes in cinema.
Masterpiece
wap200020 November 2002
A touching story of scrap-metal picker who is wrongly accused of fatherhood, ruthlessly crippled, forced to take care of an infant in arms and yet....I won't tell the whole plot but it is touching to the point where girls wipe away tears. A must see movie which uniquely portrays the every-day-life of social outsiders.
polish films
k_stopa20 November 2002
i love good movies, not something like American pie or other s***.i work in a big cinema(biggest in Poland), so it gives me an opportunity to see all "hot" movies.i must admit that for a long time i have yet to watch such a good film,what is more ,i think it is one of the best polish films,which are not widely known, but i can assure u that polish people also can direct and play !!!!!!!i hope that "Edi" will win, because it's a chance to advertise polish movies.
Edi- The Best Polish film in 2002
Filip-Makowski19 November 2002
This is a beautiful film by young director Piotr Trzaskalski. It tells about old simple man called Edi (wonderful Henryk Golebiewski). Hi is on his own. He is very poor garbage man. He learns young beautiful girl whose gets pregnant, but of course not with Edi (in facts he is ugly old man). Although she tells her father that Edi is a baby's father. It is wonderful story about life, about things that are the most important in life. The message which Trzaskalski tries to send us is that the most important things in life are invisible. He tells about truth, confidence and love. I recommend it for everyone.So lets start voting.FILIP
A beautifully paced depiction of an anonymous everyday hero.
gary-stretton5 May 2006
This film stands tall for its honest portrayal of humanity in the face of being used as a scape-goat. Edi deserves your attention - it will move you, make you angry, sad and possibly bring tears for both. It doesn't lapse into mere sentimentality however. A life-affirming experience. I watched it on DVD but relish the chance to see it on the big screen. The English sub-titles related the story without affecting continuity or plot, or removing any of the film's subtlety or nuances, found in its native Polish language.
The cinematography brought to life a Poland of two kinds - the harsh reality of city life and the pastoral beauty and salvation of the countryside. Poland's own transition since Solidarity seemed to be similarly mirrored. Edi's existence as an educated man forced into a seedy subculture in the city never compromises his own self-belief and therein the true hero lies. Wrongly accused of rape, his life is at the mercy of two crime-lords. Self-sacrifice as a means to redemption isn't Hollywood but that's where the humanity of Edi lies.
The cinematography brought to life a Poland of two kinds - the harsh reality of city life and the pastoral beauty and salvation of the countryside. Poland's own transition since Solidarity seemed to be similarly mirrored. Edi's existence as an educated man forced into a seedy subculture in the city never compromises his own self-belief and therein the true hero lies. Wrongly accused of rape, his life is at the mercy of two crime-lords. Self-sacrifice as a means to redemption isn't Hollywood but that's where the humanity of Edi lies.
See how poor man can be happy
Jackaroo-321 November 2002
If you don't know how life in Poland looks, the dark side of it, this movie will reveal it to you. I didn't know that people can live in this way and be happy. When you look at the life of Edi, your own life doesn't seen so bad. Moreover you start to wonder why you complain about so many things, when all you should do is to think about what is now and what will be in the future. This movie shows how to live in bad times. It's a very optimistic film although the story told in it isn't please to watch.
All I can say is - go and see it, you won't regret.
All I can say is - go and see it, you won't regret.
Realistic look at homelessness in centre of Europe - Lodz, Poland
internova13 January 2003
A realistic look at the problem of homelessness in the city of last decades' great factories, in middle-east of Europe, heart of Poland: in Lodz. A story about looking at our lives from the perspective of the trash, which is a perspective of more and more people. You will totally change Your attitude to things. You will see how hatred, but even lack of self respect, can ruin a man's life... Very poor, cold and dirty one, but with many happy moments.
The scenery of the City of Lodz is very natural, I know most of places shown in the movie from wandering after school. Such gloomy bars really serve mainly cheap wine or beer. It's worth seeing.
The scenery of the City of Lodz is very natural, I know most of places shown in the movie from wandering after school. Such gloomy bars really serve mainly cheap wine or beer. It's worth seeing.
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