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Re: "Ashes and Diamonds" for Victor

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***Finally finished watching it last night.
I would call it a really humane film. I was surprised to see that it was made in the late 50s and probalby even shown in USSR at that time, since it was dubbed in Russian, probably when the window was opened a little bit during Hrusshiov's ottepel'.
As far as the performances - Cybulski was an actor of the highest caliber(I don't like the term superstar, since it's inflicted by the critics and implies all the accompanying nonsense) and his performance in this film is the one of merit. In fact - all the actors were perfect. Eva Krzyewska, who I haven't seen in any other films is the minor-toned heroine slapped by the war. I also thought that the whole absurd of the celebratory gathering(almost derived from that Soviet svadba film with Martinsson;remember-V Grezii vsio est'!?) was played to a tee. There are some overtones that overlap with the French Realist films from that time, like Hiroshima Mon Amour, especially the scenes in which the two heroes are alone; but Ashes is much more profound.
How about that overturned gigantic crucifix in the bombed out church?! Priceless.
I really don't have any cohesive things to say about this film without sounding like one of those people on Public TV, but I know one thing - I'll watch it again.
I read that it was a 3rd and final film in Wajda's war triptych, but I doubt that I'll be able to find the other two.

I am really happy you liked it - I kind of knew you would. Yes, it was shown in Russia right after it was released, and on TV! I remember my mother trying to block the screen so I would miss the love scenes... fat chance!

I don't remember some of the details that you are describing - it's been many years. But I recall the overal mood, the impression and it was strong. I would not mind watching it again.

What else was in the Wajda's triptych? Was the Kanal one of them? I have not been able to find it here, and I have tried several times.

It is so unfortunate that Zbigniew Cybulski had dies this early and this silly - he was only 40.

I'd say, now you MUST get "The Ashes". Great follow-up, but be forewarned - once you see Pola Raksa, you may not be able to sleep well for quite some time. Back in those years she was the universal crash of all young and restless guys. She was THAT beautiful.



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