War is raging in Poland, and nothing is certain. The Germans are retreating, and Soviet troops are taking their place. In these turbulent times, feelings develop between Alfred Rupiejko and Bronka Wereszczyńska. The girl and her brothers hide the Florian bell from confiscation. The siblings are betrayed, but they decide not to give up without a fight.
Production
Shot during actual wartime turmoil—authentic tension impossible to fake.
Acting
Pichelski's haunted eyes carry centuries of Polish sorrow.
Director
Leonard Buczkowski
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Florian bell references Poland's actual tradition of hiding cultural treasures from occupiers, dating to partitions and WWII.
Director Buczkowski completed this during Poland's brief independence window; he later died in the Warsaw Uprising, making this his elegy to a nation already lost.
PL
