Poludnie - Pólnoc (2006) User Reviews

Decent entertainment

[cocoszanell · 7/10 · 16 February 2010]

A chance encounter. Two offbeat characters meet and fall in love. The story is not overly complex and slightly formulaic but it has tear jerking power so you'd better have Kleenex handy. Doomed romance... but don't worry, the ending won't leave you sad or gloomy.

While uneven in parts, this road movie doesn't lack dramatic tension. It delivers a deeper message about finding friendship, conquering grieve over finiteness and managing to enjoy life and each other to the fullest.

Good cinematography, well-acted, but the major drawback is the soundtrack which does not match the film very well. At times, some of the idyllic scenes struck me as borderline cheesy. Overall, "Poludnie-Polnoc" manages to overcome its flaws but I can't rate it higher than a 7 out of 10.

this story is unforgettable

[eclipso-1 · 10/10 · 20 March 2007]

I saw South by North when it was officially released. Two months down the line, I still remember leaving the theater smiling. Jacob and Julia's story is so frank and full of charm. I especially identified with their crazy plan, to travel from central, middle of nowhere Poland, to the sea on foot. I guess that's what Life is all about; trying to fulfill our spontaneous ideas, which sometimes change our lives forever. Of course, this journey film, isn't really about destination, it's about 'real feelings'. Agnieszka Grochowska and Borys Szyc are great; the chemistry between the leads really shows. There are moments during the journey when you just think: Wow. I liked the comedy scenes (particularly the one when the old country woman asks Brother Jacob for a blessing for her cow, which she believes is possessed of the devil, since it ate her bed sheets). The odd assortment of characters they meet along the way is really memorable. Apart from a great humorous potential, rural Poland is also very photogenic. The landscape cinematography atmospheric, and so is the music. Overall, one scene is a little predictable, but apart from that, I can't really complain about any 'cons'. Well worth seeing. I hope there will be more Polish features like it.

tugs at the heartstrings

[serenada3 · 10/10 · 21 March 2007]

This isn't just another love story. Poludnie - Polnoc (South by North) deviates from the classic man meets woman formula. That's why this film is just up my street. In a surprising chance encounter, a former monk meets a working girl. Jacob has a low-key personality. As for Julia, well, she's a free spirit. She chews gum, burps from time to time, and has a heart of gold. What they do share, is a dream. And naturally, what this character clash ignites is Magic. Jacob and Julia's bond is really stirring, but not too gooey, since they're joking around a lot of the time. Both of them are very likable. If you ask me, this movie is about the strength of feelings. Well acted. Not so sure about the soundtrack, though. Loved the end. I have to admit, it was a bit too optimistic, but that doesn't bother me at all. This is a great flick!

A very personal journey

[kleomastra8 · 10/10 · 19 March 2007]

The storyline is simple and free of pretentiousness. Jacob has recently left his life as a friar, he's looking for a way to redeem himself to the world, and to himself. He meets Julia, (Agnieszka Grochowska) a former prostitute, who is on a journey toward redemption from her past. They have never seen the sea in their life, and their last desire, is to see it. Ultimately, this powerful lyric tells the story of a spiritual struggle. The emotions between Jacob and Julia are unspoken and intriguing. I was touched by the scene in the field when Julia confesses to Jacob. The dialog and careful rhythm, made the scene's undertone, inference all the more moving. Poludnie-Polnoc (South by North) is about experiencing each encounter to the fullest. I was spellbound by the fantastic portrayal of Jacob and Julia, by Agnieszka Grochowska and Borys Szyc. They once again proved their immense talent. I found their trip really fascinating, because the characters they created are so wonderfully human. Overall, Jacob and Julia's adventures through the countryside, are really amusing. There are many light hearted scenes I won't forget soon, although I'm not so sure about the ending. I especially liked the scene when Julia steals Jacobs shorts while he's swimming in the river. The script offers cracking lines, the jokes fly, so don't miss the story Julia tells about her colleague. This is a great flick!