It’s easy to imagine that May 8th, 1945 would have brought universal celebration in Poland after the defeat of Nazi Germany. However, this film shows something different: a complex mix of happiness and worry as those who had fought alongside each other now found themselves divided by a new political system that seemed destined to place freedom-minded Poles against those leaning toward Soviet Communism. This division is clearly demonstrated through the characters of "Maciek" (Zbigniew Cybulski) and "Andrzej" (Adam Pawlikowski), who are tasked with assassinating the communist leader and newly appointed minister, "Szczuka" (Waclaw Zastrzezynski). Their attempt fails, resulting in the deaths of innocent people—a sign of escalating violence as former allies turn against each other, even straining strong family bonds. Amidst this turmoil, a romantic element emerges when "Maciek" develops feelings for "Krystyna" (Ewa Krzyzewska), and he begins to desire a peaceful life filled with work and family. But can he simply put aside his political concerns or are they too deeply ingrained in him, potentially putting everything he values at risk? This is a particularly moving portrayal of the challenges that come after winning a war, featuring characters full of contradictions and difficult choices, as director Andrzej Wajda also examines the state of Polish society and the daunting task of rebuilding. The country seems diminished; its people are exhausted, disheartened, and inclined to seek solace in vodka. Some much-needed dark humor is provided by Stanislaw Milski’s portrayal of "Pieniazek," along with some amusing maneuvering for power and status within the new government. The bleakness of their circumstances is effectively conveyed through a distinctive, almost unsettling photographic style that gives the film an authentic feel. Knowing what actually happened—or was already unfolding when it was made in 1958—makes this exploration of political and personal decisions all the more captivating. Ultimately, it’s a story about people and their beliefs, and it's definitely worth seeing.

Source on TMDB