Cast
View All
Magdalena Cielecka
as Anna Piwowska
Teresa Budzisz-Krzyżanowska
as Anna's mother
Andrzej Wichrowski
as Anna's father
Igor Przegrodzki
as Profesor Zimorowicz
Jerry Flynn
as Dr. Keeve Gordon
Krzysztof Globisz
as Priest Stefan
Bartosz Opania
as Piotr Pawlowski / Jurek
Mariusz Bonaszewski
as Andrzej
Cezary Morawski
as Docent
Andrzej Grabowski
as Uncle in London
Małgorzata Rożniatowska
as Orderly
Jarosława Michalewska
as Nurse (as Slawa Michalewska)
Dorota Kiełkowicz
as Piotr's sister
Iwona Bielska
as Aunt in London
Ola Tokarska
as White Girl
Crew
Director
- Barbara Sass
Writer
- Barbara Sass
Producer
- Teresa Dworzecka
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Like a Drug examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Barbara Sass brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Like a Drug took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 135 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1108 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Like a Drug shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Julie & Julia, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Like a Drug subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Viva and An Episode of Love explore similar territory, Like a Drug stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 1, 1999
- Runtime: 2h 15m
