Cast
View AllMichalina Świstuń
as Gabrysia Wolska
Nicolas Przygoda
as Szymek
Przemysław Baliński
as Czarek
Patryk Świderski
as kidnapped boy
Paweł Brandys
as Gabrysia's father
Anita Jancia
as Gabrysia's mother
Paweł Karolak
as Szymek's father
Małgorzata Olczyk
as Czarek's mother
Bartłomiej Milczarek
as Paweł
Mikołaj Zamorski
as Kamil
Marta Grabysz
as principal
Joanna Kurek
as teacher
Adam Rosołek
as priest
Paweł Krawczyk
as Mr. Bartek
Lena Gruszka
as Lenka
Crew
Director
- Bartosz M. Kowalski
Writer
- Bartosz M. Kowalski
- Stanisław Warwas
Producer
- Andrzej Polec
- Dariusz Pietrykowski
- Mirella Zaradkiewicz
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Playground 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 Bartosz M. Kowalski 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 2016, 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 Playground took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 399 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Playground shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Circle, which focuses more on action than character development, Playground subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like PewPewPew and Me and You and Everyone We Know explore similar territory, Playground 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: September 19, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 21m
