Cold War (2018)
A passionate romance between two mismatched people, set in 1950s Cold War Poland. Multi-award winner at festivals around the world, including Best Director at Cannes 2018.
"Based loosely on the story of the director's own parents, Cold War covers the entirety of a couple's love affair, from their enchanted first meeting in 1949 to the aching denouement of their relationship in the 1960s. Wiktor (Tomasz Kot) is a jazz-loving pianist and musical director tasked with auditioning traditional folk musicians as part of a state-sponsored project to champion culture from rural Poland. Young Zula (Joanna Kulig), who turns out to be more torch singer than folk singer, captivates Wiktor at first sight with her beauty and insouciance. Their fates joined, Zula and Wiktor are soon struggling both with personal demons and historical forces that persist in tearing them apart." (Toronto International Film Festival)
- Director:
- Pawel Pawlikowski ('Ida', 'My Summer of Love', 'Last Resort')
- Writer:
- Pawel PawlikowskiJanusz GlowackiPiotr Borkowski
- Cast:
- Joanna KuligTomasz KotBorys SzycAgata KuleszaCédric KahnJeanne BalibarAdam FerencyAdam Woronowicz
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Steve Newall
flicksA passionate romance between two musicians commencing in post-WWII Poland was a standout of 2018 for Steve Newall, who praises the incredibly photogenic and supremely talented leads, and musical numbers and romance that sizzle the screen.
monochrome masterpiece
for everyone who loves french films from the 50's and 60's this one's for you. from the opening shot you are in for a treat. the combination of the sensuality and sadness of the tragic lovers and their country torn apart by war and deprivation is both brutal and beautiful. this is serious film making with each shot lovingly art directed and a soundtrack...
Excellent photography
Vulture
pressIt's visually stunning, passionate, wistful, and thoughtful in equal measure.
Variety
pressA soberly moving study of the disappointment and insecurity that can blossom from supposed renewal: It's a romance in which new beginnings and endings can be hard to tell apart.
Time Magazine
pressIt deftly walks the line between appropriately somber and great, sophisticated fun.
Stuff
pressCold War is an evocation of love, music, passion and heartbreak set against ice, rubble and fear. It is a lean and perfect gem.
Los Angeles Times
pressThis is an achingly personal story - the romantic leads are named after Pawlikowski's own parents, to whom the film is dedicated - and also a sadly resigned one.
Hollywood Reporter
pressA thrilling exploration of romantic disappointment with a killer soundtrack.
Collider
pressCold War will only increase Pawlikowski's reputation as one of the next great auteurs, but, more importantly, it will have everyone who sees it asking, "What's that girl's name?" Ladies and gentlemen, her name is Joanna Kulig has she has arrived.
Flicks, Steve Newall
flicksA passionate romance between two musicians commencing in post-WWII Poland was a standout of 2018 for Steve Newall, who praises the incredibly photogenic and supremely talented leads, and musical numbers and romance that sizzle the screen.
Vulture
pressIt's visually stunning, passionate, wistful, and thoughtful in equal measure.
Variety
pressA soberly moving study of the disappointment and insecurity that can blossom from supposed renewal: It's a romance in which new beginnings and endings can be hard to tell apart.
Time Magazine
pressIt deftly walks the line between appropriately somber and great, sophisticated fun.
Stuff
pressCold War is an evocation of love, music, passion and heartbreak set against ice, rubble and fear. It is a lean and perfect gem.
Los Angeles Times
pressThis is an achingly personal story - the romantic leads are named after Pawlikowski's own parents, to whom the film is dedicated - and also a sadly resigned one.
Hollywood Reporter
pressA thrilling exploration of romantic disappointment with a killer soundtrack.
Collider
pressCold War will only increase Pawlikowski's reputation as one of the next great auteurs, but, more importantly, it will have everyone who sees it asking, "What's that girl's name?" Ladies and gentlemen, her name is Joanna Kulig has she has arrived.
monochrome masterpiece
for everyone who loves french films from the 50's and 60's this one's for you. from the opening shot you are in for a treat. the combination of the sensuality and sadness of the tragic lovers and their country torn apart by war and deprivation is both brutal and beautiful. this is serious film making with each shot lovingly art directed and a soundtrack...
Excellent photography
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