Finally diving into Polish cinema, I thought I would start off by watching one of the country’s most acclaimed films from one the country’s best directors. Andrzej Wajda‘s 2007 Best Foreign Language Film nominee KATYN is a powerful wartime-historical-drama  about the infamous Katyn massacre. For me, the film held similar emotion and significance as Defiance (2008) and Schindler’s List (1993).

The film managed a solid plot line and pace without undermining the tragic story. Likewise, I feel that it held its integrity in dealing with specific WW2 content, much of which was quite morbid, unjust and inhumane. KATYN, is a film that overcomes the controversies and politics that covered up a massacre for 50 years and tells the world that the Polish people have continued to live.

Plot Summary

“An examination of the Soviet slaughter of thousands of Polish officers and citizens in the Katyn forest in 1940. ” (IMDb)

The Katyn massacre is a topic I was ignorant to until coming across this film. I probably spent equal time (to the film’s duration) on Google/  Wikipedia reading details of the massacre and surrounding events before I finally hit the play button. I think the film holds its weight in context to both  the educated and uneducated viewers. Social Studies/ History was one of my favourite subjects throughout high school because I’m a firm believer in finding your own facts, searching for your own answers and uncovering your own truths in life.

Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes // The Guardian //  ITP World //

Articles: Film/ Director background // NY Books

Did you know: the film was based on a book

Did you know: the film was personal for the director because his father was a victim

aparoo’s words: history, war, world war II, drama, memorial, massacre, propaganda, Soviets, Nazi-Germany, Poland, occupation, freedom, injustice

aparoo says: 5/5

Stream: YouTube (720p HD)