Cold War

Pawel Pawlikowski returns to the black and white 4:3 aspect ratio that worked so well with 'Ida'. This is a stunning film. Joanna Kulig gives a brilliant performance as one half of a couple faced with decisions and adversity in post war communist Poland. Based loosely on the Director's own parents, it's a devastatingly captivating love story involving music, tragedy and politics. Spanning 15 years, the film uses music to evolve the story and the phenomenal set design / ambience of the film really captures the state of flux that Europe was in at the time. Lukasz Zal's cinematography will live long in the memory. I need a few days to digest this one but I can't see it being beaten on my best movies of 2018 list.

There is just something about this movie. On one hand, it is slow, plodding and dark. On the other, there are moments of beauty, heart and an unfathomable passion. Basically, it is the intense love story of two people (reputedly the author's parents) that spans 15 years and transects Europe. From the very beginning the character Zusa emerges as the axis upon which Wiktor's world revolves. No matter where he goes to escape oppression he cannot escape Zula's hold over him. It is impossible to take your eyes off Joanna Kulig as she inhabits this character or to escape the spell she weaves. This is fine acting. The choice of a black and white palette suits the mood of the piece while the life of the music shattters those bounds. Not a movie for everyone but there was something about it that captured me. Nominated for multiple awards, including 3 Oscars in 2019, it has been well received by film critics and festivals. I give this film a 7 (good) out of 10. [Dramatic Love Story]