Cert TBA
111 mins
BBFC advice: TBA
The second of the Kinoteka festival films which I watched is Jerzy Stuhr's quirky but thought-provoking comedy-drama, Citizen.
This is based on Stuhr's own life and he plays the main character, Jan Bratek, in middle and old age while his real-life son Maciej portrays him as a younger man in flashback.
Citizen touches on the key moments in Polish history from the mid 1950s as seen through Bratek's eyes.
It also shows that, while he has tried to influence key outcomes along the way, fate, his own clumsiness and poor decision-making have provided huge obstacles.
Bratek is seen as a good man whose conscience has been regularly tested by politics and women.
Poland's political tumult, from the communist takeover onwards, is very much to the fore as is Bratek's unease with the system but also his difficulty in breaking away from it.
Jerzy Stuhr is impressive as the older Bratek, a man with a permanent expression of resignation because of the number of calamities which have befallen him.
In fact, his latest accident has resulted in a prolonged spell in hospital. This means his has time to reflect on an intriguing life.
Citizen certainly gives a rich flavour of Poland over the past six decades. However, I think those who are not clued into the country's history might find it tough to follow.
The flashbacks come with a need for background knowledge which, doubtlessly, most Poles would have.
The problem would only arise if the film-makers are trying to reach to a wider audience.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and by its conclusion I had great empathy with not only the central character but the Polish people as a whole.
Director Jerzy Stuhr: This is the story of the representative of my generation. I picture, in the review, his whole life. My generation had a very interesting life. We were witnesses and participants in the breakthrough historical and political events. I thought, it was worth to picture it, to tell the recent Polish history.
Reasons to watch: The tumult of the past 60 years of Polish history from the inside
Reasons to avoid: Without a bit of background knowledge it may be tricky to follow
Laughs: A couple of chuckles
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: yes
Overall rating: 7/10