Poludnie - Pólnoc (2007)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Lukasz Karwowski

Writer:

Lukasz Karwowski (writer)

Release Date:

26 January 2007 (Poland)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Some journeys make you become someone else... someone who might outlive the original.

Plot:

Jacob (29) leaves a monastery. On his first stop he meets Julia (21) - an attractive but neurotic young woman, who joins him. They both want to reach the sea, but their journey ends in a very different place...

Cast

Stanislawa Celinska	...	Woman with Cows
Agnieszka Grochowska	...	Julia
Borys Szyc	...	Jacob
Robert Wieckiewicz	...	Monk, Klen, Mushroom Enthusiast, Trucker, Maniek

Also Known As:

South by North (International: English title)

Runtime:

Poland:93 min

Country:

Poland

Language:

Polish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Filming Locations:

Poland

Company:

Zoom Media

Trivia:

Jacob has his hand broken and put into plaster. While explaining his situation, Jacob says that he "broke his hand, went to a doctor and...". The true story is that the actor, Borys Szyc, broke his hand just few days before the shoot had started, and the screenplay had to be adapted to the situation. Initially, in the story, he was to play a guitar.

A very personal journey

The storyline is simple and free of pretentiousness. Jacob has recently left his life as a friar, he's looking for a way to redeem himself to the world, and to himself. He meets Julia, (Agnieszka Grochowska) a former prostitute, who is on a journey toward redemption from her past. They have never seen the sea in their life, and their last desire, is to see it. Ultimately, this powerful lyric tells the story of a spiritual struggle. The emotions between Jacob and Julia are unspoken and intriguing. I was touched by the scene in the field when Julia confesses to Jacob. The dialog and careful rhythm, made the scene's undertone, inference all the more moving. Poludnie-Polnoc (South by North) is about experiencing each encounter to the fullest. I was spellbound by the fantastic portrayal of Jacob and Julia, by Agnieszka Grochowska and Borys Szyc. They once again proved their immense talent. I found their trip really fascinating, because the characters they created are so wonderfully human. Overall, Jacob and Julia's adventures through the countryside, are really amusing. There are many light hearted scenes I won't forget soon, although I'm not so sure about the ending. I especially liked the scene when Julia steals Jacobs shorts while he's swimming in the river. The script offers cracking lines, the jokes fly, so don't miss the story Julia tells about her colleague. This is a great flick!