Cast
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Kinga Preis
as Elżbieta Makowska
Adam Woronowicz
as Tadeusz Makowski
Ewa Wiśniewska
as Grandma
Barbara Papis
as Marta Makowska
Alicja Warchocka
as Kasia Makowska
Milena Lisiecka
as Grażyna
Przemysław Bluszcz
as Mietek
Katarzyna Kwiatkowska
as Lucyna
Rafał Rutkowski
as Zenek
Dorota Landowska
as Waitress Halina
Barbara Dziekan
as Human resource manager
Agnieszka Przepiórska
as Saleswoman in the furniture store
Marcin Bosak
as PE teacher
Olgierd Jaworski
as Maciek
Klara Bielawka
as Customs officer (I)
Crew
Director
- Kinga Dębska
Writer
- Kinga Dębska
Producer
- Zbigniew Domagalski
Reviews
wlodi
An entertaining and easy to watch light comedy showing the family life and many quirks of living in the late communist Poland. It's relies heavily on nostalgia as a "slice of life" film, but thankfully it's well observed and has definitely got the late 80s feel right. The cast is really good too, with solid performances from both Kinga Preis and Adam Woronowicz, an entertaining turn from Ewa Wiśniewska as the grandma and two kids who are both fantastic. Lots to like here and so many small relatable things that will ring true to many kids who grew up in this era.
Mar 10, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Back Then examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Kinga Dębska 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 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Back Then took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Back Then shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Back Then subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like WATERMELON NIGHTS and Ohm Shanthi Oshaana explore similar territory, Back Then stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 27, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
