The film commemorates the 35th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Based on facts, the film tells the story of the Massacre in Podgaje. One of the most tragic episodes during the march to Berlin, the massacre took place just months before the capitulation of the Third Reich.
The script was developed on the basis of Wiktor Zaleski’s novel „Jedna wojenna noc” and memoirs of Col. Zbigniew Furgała, who was one of the two survivors portrayed in the film. His son starred as him in the movie.
Beautiful camerawork of Jerzy Wójcik shows that he knew how to take full advantage of natural outdoor settings and black and white film. The final scene is the only one shot in color, which produces a poignant effect.
Winter of 1945. Heavy fighting continues amidst snow-covered woods and fields. Infantry unit of the Polish People’s Army is to investigate the circumstances of destruction of two Soviet tanks. The mission ends tragically, as the unit commander dies and soldiers walk into a minefield. Soon afterwards, they fall into a trap set by more numerous and better armed SS men. Following a violent standoff, the Germans kill off the wounded soldiers and brutally interrogate the captives. Battered and helpless, the captives decide to make an escape, which has a tragic ending.
