Movie reviews

ORLETA. GRODNO '39 (ORLETA)

Watchable. Consulted with a historic reconstructions group, the movie can be trusted to be historically plausible. Sadly, however carefully recreated the past reality is, it's filmed in a way where the background is often blurry conveying the impression it's fake. The lead boy protagonist is superbly acted by Feliks Matecki, the other characters are quite stereotypical but that at least simplifies the complex set-up. Already after the opening notes did I start doubting my ability to understand the Polish historical background. Fear not. The storyline centred round the Jewish boy becomes more and more lucid or, rather, portrays the complex moment in time convincingly. Graphic brutality, touching moments toward the end evoke emotions. It's also some food for thought. The nationalist, religious and ideological prejudices of Grodno 1939 can be observed in Poland nowadays too. And the complexity of the influences and side-picking have played a role in the ISIS territories or in East Ukraine more recently. A timely picture.

PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK

Recommended. The cartoon is based on cats and dogs' typical behaviours shown as cultural differences. With references to the movie industry, film Easter eggs, the cuteness of pooch Hank and plenty of puns - both in the English version and in the top-notch Polish translation by Bartek Fukiet. Interestingy, no Atmos sound is used in the production. The songs are in English originals. Truly fun. There's a witty and important post-credit.