Vallaor Reviews

Pierwszy dzien wolnosci (1964)

Aleksander Ford's successful entry into the annals of The Polish Film School

[8/10 · 5 February 2009]

It's almost impossible to watch this movie without it's director in mind. Aleksander Ford was commonly known as "The Car". From 1945 to 1968 he was the most influential filmmaker in the country. Due to his efforts Polish film industry became more professional and efficient than it ever was before World War II. Only he could afford to direct big-budget, lavish movies, like "Chopin's Youth" (1952). Thanks to this, he was very popular and recognizable. But as a director he was rather conservative. That became evident with the rise of The Polish Film School. The likes of Andrzej Wajda and Andrzej Munk brought new quality to the cinema. Their movies, fresh and powerful, deservedly won the international acclaim. In comparison with them the works of Aleksander Ford looked very old-fashioned, even naive.

Ford, who wanted to be in the center of attention, was jealous of his former pupils' artistic successes. He tried to make his own contribution to Polish Film School movement. The first attempt - the screen version of Marek Hlasko's popular novel - wasn't too successful. "The Eighth Day of the Week" (1958) was first bashed by the author of the book, then banned by the authorities as subversive. Ford has rehabilitated himself in the eyes of communist regime by making "Knights of the Teutonic Order" (1960), big-scale historical spectacle and instant hit. But he still wanted to direct a movie similar to the great works of The Polish Film School. What was the result of his second try?

First of all, Ford was more cautious. Learned from mistake, he didn't choose contemporary settings. Instead he decided to adapt Leon Kruczkowski's play. According to the title, "The first day of freedom" was set in 1945. Kruczkowski asks here about about possibility of coexistence between two former enemies: Polish and German nation. For Aleksander Ford it was the excellent choice. The subject was ideal for Polish Film School movie, and yet still unexplored by any director. And completely safe from political point of view, so this time there was no need to worry about censorship.

"The first day of freedom" is all about the painful confrontation. The group of Polish officers, freshly freed from the camp, arrives to the small German city, completely devastated by the war. One of the few remaining citizens are the German doctor, Mr. Rhode (Tadeusz Fijewski) and his two young daughters, Luzzi (Elzbieta Czyzewska) and Inga (Beata Tyszkiewicz). Especially the latter is less than happy with the end of the war. Her fiancé, SS member, has now become the criminal in the eyes of the law. And in the last day of war she was raped by former prisoners. When her father gives shelter to the Polish officers, led by honorable Jan (Tadeusz Lomnicki), she doesn't hide the hostility toward them. By contrast, her sister adopts rather quickly to the situation and falls in love with one of the officers. Will Inga accept the reality and overcome her prejudice? Her dilemma seems to be typical for both German and Polish nation, who must learn to live in peace. After the five years of hatred and killing one another, it won't be easy at all...

As an faithful adaptation of Kruczkowski's work, this movie works fine. Most of the time it succeeds in avoiding the static, theatrical feeling of the play. Ford was acknowledged master of the spectacle, and it shows here. Some of the scenes are impressive. Probably the most noticeable part is the prologue set in prisoner camp, where Polish officers, gathered in large barrack, are waiting to learn their fate. This scene, played mostly in silence, is very suspenseful. The look on the faces of the prisoners is more telling than words. The dramatic finale is almost as good, and it contains Ford's usual trademark: the house with devastated, winding stairs. As a symbol it's in the right place, as it represents the sad aftermath of war. All in all, "The first day of freedom" is maybe not a masterpiece of The Polish Film School, but a quite satisfying entry.

Unfortunately, this was Aleksander Ford's last Polish movie. In 1968 he was condemned by authorities because of his Jewish origins and expelled from the country. This fall from grace has the devastating effect on him. He has never recovered from depression, and all his foreign, ill-fated movies are the testimony to it. Once a Car, now an outcast, he committed suicide in 1980.

Moebius Redux: A Life in Pictures (2007 TV Movie)

A homage to the great comic book artist. Must see - not only for his fans, but for all comic lovers out there!

[9/10 · 25 January 2009]

Comic book readers in Poland still have a lot to learn, when it comes to European classics. For the several decades of Communism all comics were considered as "rotten art of the West". Things quickly started to change in the nineties, with the expansion of American top titles from Marvel and DC. But more ambitious works of the European masters were still largely neglected. Comic books aficionados like myself could only dream about albums created by Moebius, Philippe Druillet, Milo Manara or Hugo Pratt. Nowadays it seems that things finally started to change. The publishers are aware of our demand for classics and they do their best in providing them. Hopefully this is just the beginning and in time we'll get to know all the important titles from France, Belgium, Italy, Germany...

Jean Giraud, also known as Moebius and Gir, was the first genius of European Comic Art discovered in Poland. His "The Airtight Garage" was the first album in Masters Of Comics, the most prestigious series in the market. Then came the other masterpieces, such as "The World Of Edena" or "Is The Man Good?". The canceling of "Blueberry" after fourth episode was a sad thing, but at least we had the chance to see what was it all about. Personally, I have to admit, that all of this has just aroused my appetite. I wanted to know more about Moebius, without doubt much more than I could read on Wikipedia.

This splendid documentary, directed by Hasko Baumann, is an answer to my prayers. It presents the life and work of Jean Giraud in the most efficient way possible. And it's nice to look at, too. Moving animation brings Moebius impressive drawings into the third dimension. Equally satisfying is the selection of people, who are discussing artist's work. Alejandro Jodorowsky, Philippe Druillet, Stan Lee, Mike Mignola... Well, these are some of the most important names in the comic industry! Of course the main star of the show is Giraud himself. He's very informative about his art. I found him very charming man, obviously still young at heart despite his old age.

It's a must-see viewing not only for admirers of Moebius work, but also for everyone, who wants to learn more about history of comics. Successive phases of Giraud career were connected with the radical changes in comic industry. Perhaps the most important one was Métal Hurlant, French magazine, that changed the perception of comic and introduced it to the wide range of mature readers across the Europe. It influenced Americans too, but to a lesser degree. There is still a large difference between these two continents. Moebius has learned that, when he began to work in USA with Stan Lee. This collaboration, though critically acclaimed, hasn't changed much in conservative American comic-book industry.

Blood Countess (2008 Video)

Cheap exploitation of Elizabeth B.

[3/10 · 21 January 2009]

"Blood Countess" is a sexpolitation movie that can be viewed as a part of the recent trend, trying to resurrect the legend of Elisabeth Bathory. This Hungarian aristocrat from XVII century, infamous for her sex crimes, was in fact one of the first well-known serial killers in history. Together with Vlad Tepes, she became the prototype of the vampire figure. In the classic Hammer flick she was even called "Countess Dracula".

"Woman of Dark Desires" was always an inspiration for artists, especially those dealing with the darkest areas of the human soul. There were already some great movies in the past ("Immoral Tales" by Walerian Borowczyk, "Daughters of Darkness" by Harry Kümel). In the recent years though the Bathory admirers group has increased significantly. Elisabeth basically became the cult icon of Gothic subculture. What caused it? Maybe Cradle Of Filth with their 1998 concept album, "Cruelty And The Beast"? Or XIII. Stoleti with "Elizabeth" anthem (from "Straceni v Karpatech" LP)?

To this day, both these musical achievements were much more impressive and influential than any of the cinematic efforts that followed them. The new-found Bathory genre still waits for a masterpiece, but develops rather nicely. So far we've had some interesting ideas. Like sexy and manipulative, almost Catherine Tramell-like Elisabeth in "Eternal" (2004). Or computer age Elisabeth, killing her victims via Internet in "Stay Alive" (2006). Or modern Elisabeth using some Russian slaughterhouse for her blood baths ("Hostel: Part II", 2007). And last but not least, Elisabeth's own diary, that falls in the hands of two lesbians, who dream of becoming true vampires ("Night Fangs", 2005)... Czech Republic alongside with Slovakia has given us the latest and much more serious examination of Countess' persona. "Bathory" (2008) has met with mixed reviews, but it was without doubt an expensive, ambitious work.

But what about other recent movie from Czech Republic, dealing with the subject? First of all, they shouldn't be confused, as they often are. "Blood Countess", directed by Lloyd A. Simandl is nothing but softcore fare, filled with mildly sadistic sleaze. Set in XVII century, it presents one typical day from Elisabeth's life. Bathing in virgin's blood, torturing some maids, writing a dairy (shades of "Night Fangs", perhaps?)... The whole show is devoid of any artistic merit, but does it work as a sex film or as a shock film? Not really. "Blood Countess" is too boring to be shocking, and too ugly to titillate. Andrea Nemcova in the leading role is unattractive and a bit long in the tooth to be Elisabeth, supposedly widely known for her beauty. All the murder scenes are unimpressive, to say at least. They drag for several minutes, to the point of total boredom. Even female victims are more bored than terrified.

Such a waste, really... Basic, mean-spirited erotic shocker dealing with Bathory should have worked perfectly, but "Blood Countess" is utter failure, not even worth the price of renting. Better forget about this one, there's lots of better Bathory flicks, even amongst the latest ones.

Kinbaku · SM · 18-sai (1986)

Wild S&M Extravaganza!

[8/10 · 16 January 2009]

Shuji Kataoka, the man behind "Subway Serial Rape" series, directs yet another vastly entertaining flick. The main themes of pinku eiga genre are all here, mainly bondage, rape and total submission of the females. This time though they're not here only to titillate or offend potential viewers. Their other intention is to make public laugh.

The plot of "S&M Hunter" is very cartoonish, definitely manga-influenced. The character from the title, unbeatable master of the whip, is impossible to be taken seriously. His bondage mastership is so great, that he can do wonders with the rope. He ties up women in a way that makes them utterly excited, and therefore absolutely helpless. No female alive can resist him! Our hero works in the exquisite bordello, that specializes in all kinds of perversion. There's something for everyone - sadism, masochism, even paraphilia! But one of the clients is dissatisfied. It turns out that he's not really a sadist. In fact, he is gay and hates women for just one reason. The girl gang, called The Bombers, has kidnapped his partner to use and abuse as a personal sex toy. S&M Hunter gladly accepts the job to rescue the boy and punish the kidnappers. With the help of always reliable rope this task will be pure pleasure for S&M Hunter. And for all of his female opponents: pleasure mixed with pain!

The movie is traditionally short (around one hour), and filled with attractions typical for Japanese erotic cinema. There's also some Nazi imaginary (swastikas, leather gestapo uniforms, etc.) to please all the fetishists out there. One thing's for sure. We shouldn't take any of this stuff too seriously. It's just plain fun.

One curious detail: Quite probably the true message of "S&M Hunter" is the praise of homosexuality. Just check out the scene of gay lovers' happy reunion. Are we led to believe, that true and pure love can exist only between the two males?!? Or is it just another joke played on us by Shuji Kataoka?

Snake and Whip (1986)

Woman, be my slave!

[8/10 · 4 January 2009]

A word of advise: Don't expect very complicated plot with this one. Just like in many others Nikkatsu movies, the script of SNAKE AND WHIP is based on writings of Dan Oniroku, famous novelist dealing with S&M erotica. What we are about to see is more a dirty old man's fantasy than anything else. Knowing (and accepting) that from the start, we should appreciate Shigoro Ishimura's movie for what it is.

Young, ravishingly beautiful girl (Ran Masaki) accepts a lucrative job as a secretary. Pretty soon company boss makes a pass at her in an abrupt manner. When outraged girl slaps him in the face, the man deliberately plans a revenge. Soon the unsuspecting girl falls into a trap and is forced to become his sex-slave! Long accustomed to S&M practices, the boss (we can properly call him "Master" from now on) will stop at nothing to humiliate the poor girl and to make her feel like the common animal.

What follows next can be described as a highly sophisticated BDSM catalog. As always in pinku eiga, a bondage show is involved, but that's not everything "Snake And Whip" has to offer. There's much, much more, all of it absolutely immoral and twisted. I won't say anything else, as it should stay a bit mysterious for the future viewers. Just take my word for it, you won't be disappointed!

Shigoro Ishimura is not yet as recognizable as his few pinku colleagues (Teruo Ishii, Yasuharu Hasebe and Norifumi Suzuki), but with such impressive output it's probably just a matter of time. He's a very competent director. Judging by his two efforts that I saw (the other being ALL WOMEN ARE WHORES), he doesn't shy away from showing extreme sexual violence on screen, and that should win him a lot of fans amongst sleaze aficionados. Ran Masaki, female star of the movie, was also an object of severe humiliation in BEAUTIFUL TEACHER IN TORTURE HELL (1985). She must be one of the most stunning ladies of the genre (my other favorite is Rei Okamoto). Her pretty, noble face and firm, large breasts truly are a sight to behold...

Siedem zyczen (1986– )

The boy, the cat and the old Egyptian spell

[10/10 · 2 January 2009]

Very popular more than twenty years ago, but nearly forgotten by now, this mini-series is at last available on DVD. For mature viewers like me this is definitely nostalgic experience. I'm not sure, if the show will once more win the youngest audience, accustomed to the newest digital effects. Let's hope for the best, because "Seven Wishes" is definitely worth it!

Poland, A.D. 1984. Young boy, called Darek Tarkowski (not related to the famous Russian director!) rescues a black cat from the neighborhood bullies. It turns out that the cat, who has the ability to speak, is in fact an incarnation of Rademenes, an ancient Egyptian priest. Out of the gratitude, Rademenes sets to fulfill seven wishes of it's savior. But there are certain limits. Darek can ask only once a week, in Wednesday, and every of his wishes comes true for just one day.

There are both seven wishes and seven episodes of the show (Warning: possible minor spoilers!).

1. "Rademenes" - In the first episode, the plot of the whole series is settled, but there's also time for Darek's first wish, rather unconsidered one. The boy is a fan of "Wanda i Banda" and dreams about owning the same equipment as the members of this popular Polish rock group. Rademenes fulfills the wish by simply trans-locating "Wanda i Banda" equipment in Darek's apartment.

2. "The Pharaoh's Glance" - Darek feels somewhat ignored by his parents and quite often threatened by a fierce teacher in school. That's why he wants to be the one in command. The cat endows him with domineering "Pharaoh's glance". In consequence, every adult person in Darek's sight is forced to obey him. Sounds fun at first, but in time this gift becomes most tiresome.

3. "To be an Adult" - The title says it all. And as for the reasons: Darek wants to go to the cinema, but is not allowed due to his young age. Rademenes gives him the look of his father ("He was the only model i had" - he explains later to clearly disappointed boy). Just like previous wishes, it turns to be more troublesome than helpful. By the way - "Seksmisja", the movie that Darek so desperately wants to see, is now considered one of the most popular Polish comedies of all time and definitive family fare. Hard to believe, that it once was labeled as an "adult" (R-Rated) feature!

4. "Lots of Love and Happiness" - For the first time Darek wishes something not for himself. He wants to make his mother absolutely happy. Simple request really, but Rademenes slightly exaggerates and mother, full of adrenaline and out of control, starts to behave rather strangely.

5. "The Magic Ring" - The ring from the title is not necessarily magic, but surely an expensive one. Jacek, best friend of Darek, carelessly takes it from his father's jewel-box. Pretty soon the ring is lost and the trouble begins. For the first time in the series Darek must choose. He can help Jacek with his wish or use it for his own purposes (this time he desperately wants to go to the circus). The fifth episode is definitely most pedagogical. It delivers a clear message of altruism to the young audience. Thankfully, it never becomes preachy and stiffed, due to the overall comical tone.

6. "The Curse of The Goddess Bast" - The most impressive episode in the series, filled with beautiful (and sometimes spine-chilling) imagery. It clearly borrows a lot from "Pharaoh", extraordinary classic, directed by Jerzy Kawalerowicz. Darek wants to know, what was the cause of Rademenes' curse (which is: not to be allowed to die, but forever reborn in a form of the cat). Rademenes takes the boy back in time, to ancient Egypt. Darek learns, what a life that day and age looked like and painfully learns, that some secrets are better left untold...

7. "Senemedar" - Darek falls in love with a girl, but doesn't know her whereabouts. This time some magic would really help, but there's a problem. After the boy's last demand, Rademenes will loose all his power and be forever imprisoned in a body of the cat. Unless Darek wishes for him to become human. Once again our teenage hero must make a hard choice...

Despite being only seven episodes long, "Seven Wishes" comes as a very complex, rich experience. It's obviously aimed at young audience, but older spectators should not be worry: this show has something for everybody. It's always witty, sometimes downright funny, sometimes more serious in tone. Realistic, yet containing subtle fantasy elements. All the cast is great in their well-written roles, but the most memorable performance is that of Maciej Zebaty, famous Polish singer and poet, who gives voice to Rademenes (and is also responsible for the script). "Wanda i Banda", very popular at the time, not only makes an appearance in the first episode, but provides the whole show with a catchy musical score.

Last but not least, "Seven Wishes" is quite educational. I mean, in a good way! It tells more about some Egyptian beliefs and rituals than many big-budget spectacles ("The Mummy", for example). Personally, I can't think of a more convenient way to teach children history than to give them the right lectures. For the Roman Empire period, "Asterix" would be the best choice. For ancient Egypt I would try classical movies like "The Ten Commandments" (both DeMille versions are fine), "Cleopatra" (1934)), "The Land Of The Pharaohs" (1955), but especially this fine mini-series.

Przyjaciel wesolego diabla (1987)

Atmospheric fantasy from Poland

[8/10 · 13 December 2008]

The horror genre in Poland stands rather weak. There's only a few really scary movies. And one of them is this, a motion picture that supposed to be a fairytale for children! Well, I always liked frightening tales, so as a child I enjoyed FRIEND OF A JOLLY DEVIL very much. But some of my peers are scared of this movie to this day. They even complaining about a childhood trauma caused by the sight of Pipe ("Jolly Devil" from the title)...

The movie itself is not a horror, but medieval fable about one boy's rite of passage. In order to save his father from blindness, Janek must leave the safeness of his home and begin very long journey. His goal is to conquer Lord Of Darkness himself! On the road Janek meets a strange creature: hairy ape-man, who calls himself Pipe, has some magical powers and carries with him a gigantic fork. Despite the scary look Pipe is a nice and, yes, jolly fellow (hence the title). Naturally, he becomes the companion of the young hero in his fascinating, yet dangerous adventure.

FRIEND... is very effective in creating mysterious atmosphere, despite obviously limited budget. Especially captivating is the appearance of virgin forest and mountains. All the fantasy creatures are memorable and original - Pipe, the tribe of dwarfs, and the whole army of Darkness. Maybe the least original (but effective nevertheless) are the two evil hunters, both dressed in leather, S/M fashion (!). The biggest surprise is The Lord Of The Darkness. He's not some kind of beast, more like the force of nature, pure evil spirit. Very smart concept, that should give young viewers something to think about.

Unfortunately, this fine piece of cinematic work is not available in DVD format to this day. Maybe someday someone will give it a try. Not suitable for small children, but a fest for the eyes for all the fantasy lovers, young and old. They should also check out another noteworthy polish production, RYCERZ(1980) by Lech Majewski, poetical parable set in Middle Ages.

Jeszcze raz (2008)

A total disaster (one more time)

[3/10 · 26 February 2008]

A very poor attempt at creating funny and light comedy. Unfortunately, in Poland we don't have tradition of making light, funny and delightful "date movies", and we're stuck with cheap imitations of foreign products. ONE MORE TIME is even worse than several previous so-called "romantic comedies" (namely WHY NOT, NEVER EVER!, I'LL SHOW YOU!). It tries to combine two entirely different subplots and fails miserably. The "mother plot" (starring two very good polish actors, Danuta Stenka and Jan Frycz, totally wasted in this mess) is a bland romance, devoid of any energy. Nevertheless it is much more better than the "daughter plot", unsuccessfully portraying life of the polish teenagers by using the methods of unsubtle teen-comedy. Pawel (Przemyslaw Cyprianski) is definitely the most annoying "hero" in the history of romantic comedy. To my horror, this poseur, new-rich and an obvious male chauvinist is set as an example to follow! Well, never ever!!!

All of the characters are one-dimensional and unattractive. Needless to say, there is no such thing as "screen alchemy" between them. And there is not a single funny line in the entire movie. Hopefully, this abomination of a film will never be distributed outside of Poland - there's nothing to be proud of - and quickly fall into oblivion.