Pan Tadeusz (1999 film)
Pan Tadeusz | |
---|---|
Directed by | Andrzej Wajda |
Written by |
|
Based on | Pan Tadeusz by Adam Mickiewicz |
Produced by | Lew Rywin |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Paweł Edelman |
Edited by |
|
Music by | Wojciech Kilar |
Distributed by |
|
Release date |
|
Running time | 147 minutes |
Countries |
|
Language | Polish |
Budget | $5 million (estimated) 12,5 million złoty |
Pan Tadeusz: The Last Foray in Lithuania is a 1999 Polish film directed by Andrzej Wajda. It is based on the 1834 eponymous epic poem by Polish poet, writer and philosopher Adam Mickiewicz (1798–1855).[1] As in the poem, conflict between the Soplica and Horeszko families serves as a backdrop for discussion of issues of Polish national unity and the struggle for independence.
Historical background
For 400 years, Lithuania and Poland were united in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, until Poland was partitioned in 1795 by three nations at its borders: the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Habsburg monarchy (see Partitions of Poland). At that point Poland, a formerly powerful state, simply ceased to exist. Yet one hope remained for the patriotic Poles yearning for autonomy – the First French Empire. Napoleon promised to restore the Polish homeland if Poles, in turn, helped him defeat the Russian Empire. Thousands of Poles were part of the Grande Armée during the French invasion of Russia. The invasion force reached the gates of Moscow before being forced into a long and bloody retreat. The film itself centers on two noble families who live in the Russian-controlled part of Poland: the Horeszko family, who ardently favor Polish independence, and the Soplica family, who support Russia.[2]
Synopsis
Pan Tadeusz is told in flashbacks as the author,
At odds are two families: the Soplicas and the Horeszkos. Their differences arise from a bloody night when the dashing Jacek Soplica (who was earlier rejected as a suitor for the old Count Horeszko's daughter), takes advantage of a Russian assault on the Count's castle to kill him. At that moment, the Count's faithful warden, Gervazy, vows vengeance for his master's death. Gervazy will not forgive and forget that in 1792, the last household lord of the Horeszkos was killed by Jacek Soplica and as a result, the latter was rewarded with the former's castle by the Russian colonizers.
20 years later, matters remain unresolved. Judge Soplica (
Preaching insurrection among the people is Priest Robak (Bogusław Linda), who carries more than a few secrets under his cowl.[3] Robak informs the Poles who are living in Lithuania that Napoleon is marching against the Russians and will be crossing the nearby
In the meantime, aunt Telimena, who is in charge of raising 14-year-old Zosia, begins a relationship with Tadeusz. This relationship does not please the rest of the family who expect Tadeusz to marry Zosia.
More reports arrive of the approach of Napoleon's army. It is said that Polish horsemen are coming with the French and will cross the Niemen. At this time Tadeusz finds out that his father Jacek is still alive and that it was he who sent Priest Robak to his uncle to secure the marriage of Tadeusz and Zosia. Through this marriage, Jacek wishes to make amends for his past sins by restoring the land back to the Count. However, aunt Telimena (who is in love with Tadeusz herself) secretly wishes for Zosia to marry the wealthy Count.
When the Count attends a banquet given by the Soplica's family, Gervazy (the old Count's faithful warden) wreaks havoc by bringing up the old family dispute (namely Jacek Soplica killing old Count Horeszko). The Count and Tadeusz agree to settle their dispute with a duel. Meanwhile, it is revealed to the judge that Father Robak is actually Jacek Soplica. To take vengeance on the Soplica family, the Count and Gervazy head to the village of Dobrzyn to recruit some of the gentry to help destroy them. Vengeance is combined with the goal of starting an
As news is received that Napoleon has declared war on Russia, the Count and Tadeusz, forgetting their promised duel, head off to join the French troops marching against the Russians. As the story of Pan Tadeusz approaches the end, Count Horeszko and Tadeusz Soplica return as soldier heroes and both families (Soplicas and Horeszkos) celebrate and rejoice in peace as Tadeusz is betrothed to Zosia.[4]
The film ends, as it began, with many of the protagonists, now emigres in Paris, listening to Adam Mickiewicz as he reads from his poem about the homeland to which they cannot return.
Cast
- Bogusław Linda (Jacek Soplica [ˈjatsɛk sɔpˈlitsa] alias Priest Robak, Bernardyn, father of Tadeusz Soplica, brother of Judge Soplica)
- Michał Żebrowski (Tadeusz (Thaddeus) Soplica [taˈdɛuʃ sɔpˈlitsa], son of Jacek Soplica, 20-year-old nephew of Judge Soplica, in love with Zosia)
- Alicja Bachleda-Curuś (Zosia Horeszko [ˈzɔɕa xɔˈrɛʃkɔ], 14-year-old orphan raised by Telimena)
- Grażyna Szapołowska (Telimena [tɛliˈmɛna xɔˈrɛʃkɔ], a distant relative of the Soplicas and of the Horeszkos, guardian of Zosia Horeszko)
- Andrzej Seweryn (Judge Soplica, younger brother of Jacek Soplica)
- Marek Kondrat (Count Horeszko, a distant relative of the Horeszko family and the rightful owner of the castle)
- Daniel Olbrychski (Gervazy [gɛrˈvazɘ], the Warden, formerly a servant of the Horeszko family)
- Krzysztof Kolberger (Adam Mickiewicz)
- Sergey Shakurov (Rykow)
- Jerzy Bińczycki (Maciej Królik-Rózeczka)
- Jerzy Trela (Podkomorzy)
- Jerzy Gralek (Wojski)
- Marian Kociniak (Protazy)
- Piotr Gąsowski (Rejent)
- Andrzej Hudziak (Asesor)
- Marek Perepeczko (Maciej Chrzciciel)
Box office performance
Pan Tadeusz was an overwhelming commercial success, but only in its domestic market.
Pan Tadeusz played in eastern Europe during the latter half of 1999, featured at the Berlin Film Festival, and endured a limited, albeit financially unsuccessful, run in the US early in 2000.[7]
Soundtrack by Wojciech Kilar
The Polish film composer,
Academy Award submission and awards
Pan Tadeusz was Poland's official Best Foreign Language Film submission at the 72nd Academy Awards, but did not manage to receive a nomination.[9] Pan Tadeusz did however win awards at The Polish Film: Eagle award 2000. It won Best Film score, Best actress, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Editing and Best Production Design.
References
- ^ https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A00E6DE103DF931A15752C0A9669C8B63 New York Times, 2000
- ^ The New York Times Movies New York Times Review
- ^ https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A00E6DE103DF931A15752C0A9669C8B63 New York Times, 2000
- ^ Article Title[usurped] article by Patrick L. Cooney, PhD
- ^ ""Why Not Have Our Own World?", Interview with Andrzej Wajda". Archived from the original on 23 May 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2010.
- ^ Hollender, Barbara (8 January 2001). "Epic-hungry Poles send B.O. sliding". Variety. p. 19.
- ^ "Pan Tadeusz". Archived from the original on 13 January 2010. Retrieved 28 February 2010. Kilar Music in Pan Tadeusz
- ^ "Pan Tadeusz". Archived from the original on 13 January 2010. Retrieved 28 February 2010. Kilar Music in Pan Tadeusz
- ^ *"Record 47 Countries in Oscar Contention" (Press release). Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 22 November 1999. Retrieved 20 August 2008.