Too be honest with you, at my young age I will not catch a lot of what makes this film so great. Even if I may not be advanced enough to comprehend the meaning of films like this, I still think (as an aspiring filmmaker) I should watch these films anyway. Pictures of Stalin are riddled all over, so this definitely takes place during the times when Russia was occupying Poland. From my limited understanding Russia took this liberty as a way to spread communist ideals. Understandably, the polish citizens who weren’t accustomed and didn’t like theCommunist regime at all, were angry. You can definitely see it within the dialogue, and the fact he kills a pro-communist governor. I think where this film truly shines thought is within its visuals. I found myself thinking so many times: “that is some real nice cinematography right there, color me impressed.”. If you choose to watch it, you’ll definitely think the same. Other than that, this film did not resonate with me. Hopefully when I am more mature and can grasp the ideas and emotions being expressed, I’ll like it more. For now, I give it 2.5/5 stars.

Polish classic. I'm still too young to get into the post-war politics in Poland. This is stylishly filmed, there are great cinematography here and there, particularly I appreciate the very last scene, the moment that the young man run into the laundry hanging outdoor and found his wound and blood, then sink into the waste.

Well paced post war noir thriller. Romance, political espionage and ambition get caught in the cross fires. Could swear that's a Polish Gene Wilder thrown in there too. The bar girl is bangin. Just grab her and elope you mug.

A surprisingly broad range of characters find themselves wrestling with morality, ambition, romance, and purpose on the eve of victory in World War II, colliding in a mix of drama and dark comedy. It's a unique moment of flux, as government order, status, and the motivations that characters had maintained for years come under a state of revision. Its style is surprisingly very close to that of a noir thriller, despite the subject matter and Polish origin not being factors you would typically associate with the style - the crises of conscience, visual composition, inherent violence, and Cybulski's aesthetic are particularly slick. Adding in some thematic heft that would have been rather pointed given the conflicting support between the Polish Home Guard and the de facto ruling Communist government of the period, the film dives into a plot built on self-reflection and hard choices, understanding exactly what it is that motivates a character when conditions are less objective. Wajda creates a film that is pretty fluid when it comes to genre and inspired in its visuals, with a comprehensive range of compelling shots that each could be dissected; yes, sometimes the symbolism is a bit overt (the inverted crucified Jesus is a bit in your face), but the original outweighs the uncreative by far. Stumbling into a yard full of white sheets on clotheslines, revealing pooling blood as you go, that's great stuff. Of all people, Hayao Miyazaki cites this film as a personal favorite. That's not a connection I saw coming. (4/5)

Amo las peliculas de Europa del Este en blanco y negro.

Another proof of the exquisit polish filmography out there. Really remarkable photography.

Reluctant assassin is torn between love and duty in post-War Poland. A film-makers' film, every scene meticulously composed.

Brilliant representation of Polish Film School.

An extremely funny and excellent tableau, which displays the tragically decayed, post-war remains of Poland with a certain edge, but never gives up on its somberly understated, dramatic story.

Ashes and Diamonds is a skeptical adaptation of the book of the same name, stripping it of its dubious Communist message and portraying the Communists as decadent and hypocritical, while showing something of a reserved admiration for the anti-Communist revolutionaries. Cinematically, it's suspenseful and builds slowly to the final showdown, with memorable scenes in the middle, particularly the lighting of drinks for dead allies and the dangling crucifix in the bombed out church.

One of the great European arthouse works tells the story of the ambiguous situation the Polish undergroud army found itself in towards the end of WWII. On the one hand we have Pawlikowski's character determined to continue battle this time against pro Soviet Polish authorities. Cybulski's character is no longer so certain. Wonderful acting from both leads and strong supporting cast. Strong storytelling of this tragic story. First rate.

Beautifully shot and acted.

Amazing film set at the end of WWII Poland. The battle is raging for Poland's future yet the average citizen is just war weary. Beautiful film seemingly inspired by Italian neo-realism with the visual poetry of the Nouvelle Vague. Glad I finally got to see it. I was afraid it would be like "Last Year at Marianbad."

Uncompromisingly acted and occasionally fun with it, but it's deliberate narrative and camera choices to be almost entirely in shadows makes it less than entirely bearable.

What a fantastic War film from Andrej Wadja from 1958. Takes place in Poland right at the very end of WWII, when various Polish group begin infighting. It deals with an assassination attempt, but is so much more, including a romance. The cinematography is absolutely stunning. The story is good and the acting strong. This is a must watch for serious film buffs, it's even a favourite of Martin Scorsese. Check it out!

Fascinating masterpiece that takes place on the final day of WWII in Poland as Soviet forces begin establishing a communist regime. The film focuses around a Polish nationalist who is hired to kill a communist official. But after he meets a lonely barmaid, he begins to rethink his life. It's not only a fantastic slice of history, it's also a depiction of the ways radical change affects people, the damage that war has on people, and the journey of a man torn between loyalty and love. Sounds more like a soaper than an art film but I assure you that it has a keen eye for detail and a host of metaphors (such as drunkenness as a representation of the excesses of greed) and churches/graveyards as symbols of hope and despair, respectively.

A great and engaging movie. One of the best

now this was brilliant, A masterpiece the sene were they stand behinde the Jesus in the mess and bombed church also when she was pouring the glass of beer with a sensual look

Gorgeous cinematography, lighting, and visual composition. A strong opening and a strong closing. I between, it founders in a "romance" about a girl helplessly drawn to a prick. Sadly, the movie's greatest strength - the imagery - is significantly undone by the low resolution digital package touring the US as part of the "Martin Scorsese Presents: Masterpieces of Polish Cinema" retrospective.

Well made but not exciting.