Cast
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Michał Koterski
as Edward Gierek
Sebastian Stankiewicz
as Włodzimierz Maślak
Antoni Pawlicki
as General Roztocki
Rafał Zawierucha
as Filip Rawicki
Małgorzata Kożuchowska
as Stanisława Gierek
Agnieszka Więdłocha
as Marzena Pazik
Damian Bajorek
as Wasiak
Ewa Ziętek
as Paulina
Zbigniew Kozłowski
as Dygnitary
Konrad Makowski
as Dygnitary
Philippe Tłokiński
as Banker Piere Lavale
Waldemar Węgrzyn
as Adam Gierek
Cezary Żak
as Leonid Breżniew
Kamil Bajorek
as Jeziorak
Jan Frycz
as Stefan Wyszyński
Crew
Director
- Michał Węgrzyn
Writer
- Michał Kalicki
- Rafał Woś
- Heathcliff Janusz Iwanowski
Producer
- Heathcliff Janusz Iwanowski
- Jolanta Owczarczyk
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Gierek 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 Michał Węgrzyn 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 2022, 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 Gierek took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 140 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2385 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 293 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Gierek shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Clear and Present Danger, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Gierek offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Donnie Brasco and Thank You for Smoking explore similar territory, Gierek 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: January 21, 2022
- Runtime: 2h 20m
- Revenue: $1,531,831
