This marked my initial exposure to Wajda’s work, and it proved quite enjoyable. I found Cybulski's acting to be excellent, and the pub scene where he’s setting fire to vodka shots stood out; his portrayal in that moment was spot-on. The visual effect of photographing him through the patterned staircase looked striking in black and white, particularly enhanced by his sunglasses. While I occasionally struggled to follow the political aspects of the story, it never felt dull, and I appreciated the romantic storyline along with the sequence featuring the intoxicated secretary. The image of blood seeping through the sheet toward the conclusion was a powerful one, and the concluding shot of him running across that desolate landscape made for an effective finale. I’d give it 3.5 out of 5.

Source on TMDB