Cold War is the latest film from director Pawel Pawlikowski since his 2013 film Ida (which won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film).
A gorgeous piece shot entirely in black and white, with an aspect ratio that almost appears completely square in comparison to the widescreen aspects that we have become accustomed to these days. Set between the 1940s and '60s after the cessation of World War II, the film moves between various post-war European countries during the Cold War period.
The aspect ratio combined with the black and white style and prevalence of foreign language really set the scene for the film, providing a dated feel and a bleak emotional environment that the people were living in during the time. It perfectly encapsulates a sense of living in a Soviet-occupied country during that time period, both in crumbling infrastructure outside of the main cities, and the oppressive state of politics and propaganda.
The film follows Tomasz Kot who plays Wiktor Warski, a pianist and musical composer who is forming a musical ensemble, meeting falling for Joanna Kulig's character, singer Zuzanna "Zula" Lichoń. Beyond this, there is no real set plot for the film. We follow these two very different people trying to be together, in a variety of settings and circumstances. The story focuses on their tumultuous relationship from the perspective of Wiktor, literally only showing scenes that involve both characters. The film is a selection of moments that omits everything else to do with their lives. Otherwise significant events of a life are overlooked and ignored in order to focus on the relationship itself. The story of the couple is in fact inspired by director Pawel Pawlikowski's own parents.
The film has no score and instead uses diegetic sound, where all music is physically performed visibly on screen. As such, music forms an important part of the film, and changes throughout the film as the Wiktor and Zula try to make it work. Starting with Folk and Choral music, it transitions through many stages, showcasing Jazz, Salsa, Rock, and Pop, effectively having its own story arc.
The cast does a wonderful job in their roles, Joanna Kulig in particular brightly embodies an impassioned singer that giver her all into every aspect of her life, whether it be her singing, drinking, or her love. With no musical score, and the high contrast black and white scenes, the film relies heavily on the acting ability of Kot and Kulig, and they do brilliantly, creating an engaging and strikingly resonant love story that persists through unending obstacles.
The ending of the film does feel out of place and slightly unearned, but does not detract from the beauty of the rest of the film. A must-see if you are tired of the excessive behaviour of big-budget Hollywood films
A gorgeous piece shot entirely in black and white, with an aspect ratio that almost appears completely square in comparison to the widescreen aspects that we have become accustomed to these days. Set between the 1940s and '60s after the cessation of World War II, the film moves between various post-war European countries during the Cold War period.
The aspect ratio combined with the black and white style and prevalence of foreign language really set the scene for the film, providing a dated feel and a bleak emotional environment that the people were living in during the time. It perfectly encapsulates a sense of living in a Soviet-occupied country during that time period, both in crumbling infrastructure outside of the main cities, and the oppressive state of politics and propaganda.
The film follows Tomasz Kot who plays Wiktor Warski, a pianist and musical composer who is forming a musical ensemble, meeting falling for Joanna Kulig's character, singer Zuzanna "Zula" Lichoń. Beyond this, there is no real set plot for the film. We follow these two very different people trying to be together, in a variety of settings and circumstances. The story focuses on their tumultuous relationship from the perspective of Wiktor, literally only showing scenes that involve both characters. The film is a selection of moments that omits everything else to do with their lives. Otherwise significant events of a life are overlooked and ignored in order to focus on the relationship itself. The story of the couple is in fact inspired by director Pawel Pawlikowski's own parents.
The film has no score and instead uses diegetic sound, where all music is physically performed visibly on screen. As such, music forms an important part of the film, and changes throughout the film as the Wiktor and Zula try to make it work. Starting with Folk and Choral music, it transitions through many stages, showcasing Jazz, Salsa, Rock, and Pop, effectively having its own story arc.
The cast does a wonderful job in their roles, Joanna Kulig in particular brightly embodies an impassioned singer that giver her all into every aspect of her life, whether it be her singing, drinking, or her love. With no musical score, and the high contrast black and white scenes, the film relies heavily on the acting ability of Kot and Kulig, and they do brilliantly, creating an engaging and strikingly resonant love story that persists through unending obstacles.
The ending of the film does feel out of place and slightly unearned, but does not detract from the beauty of the rest of the film. A must-see if you are tired of the excessive behaviour of big-budget Hollywood films