Details
Movie Description
Agnieszka Holland directs this sincere, moving political drama about Poland in 1981, and the birth of the Solidarity movement that advocated freedom, gaining a fervent following that greatly threatened the government. The film focuses on two men--Father Alek (Christopher Lambert), a young priest who preaches human rights and supports the outlawed Solidarity union; and Stefan (Ed Harris), a communist officer whose philosophies are on the opposite end of the spectrum. As the story unfolds, Stefan's less-than-noble intentions become painfully evident, his hatred for the sensitive, beloved Father Alek stemming from an internal demon that threatens to explode at any moment. When his superior officer (Joss Ackland) gives him approval to handle the situation however he chooses, he teams up with Feliks (Tim Roth) and Igor (Timothy Spall) to track down the priest and another sympathetic supporter of the movement, Josef (Pete Postlethwaite). Based on the true story of Father Jerzy Popielusko, Holland's film features impassioned performances from Lambert, Harris, and Postlethwaite.
Synopsis
This fact-based political drama about the tragic downfall of Polish priest Father Jerzy Popielusko, an outspoken advocate of the Solidarity movement, chronicles the clergyman's undoing at the hands of a brutal communist officer, featuring strong performances from Christopher Lambert, Ed Harris, Pete Postlethwaite, and Tim Roth.
Film Notes
Theatrical release: September 7, 1988 (Paris); November 25, 1988 (London); October 13, 1989 (Chicago).
Shot at Studio S.F.P., Paris, as well as Lille, Lyon, Versailles, Jura, and Picardie, France.
The film's estimated budget was $10 million.
The picture began shooting October 5, 1987, and completed shooting January, 1988.
It was shown at the Montreal World Film Festival August 24-September 4, 1988.
"Church Song" was composed by Zbigniew Preisner and Lacrimosa from The Requiem of Verdi. "The Crimes of Cain" was adapted and performed by Joan Baez.
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