A film directed by Aleksander Ścibor-Rylski, a great writer and screenwriter, author of the script for the outstanding picture of Andrzej Wajda “Man of Marble”.
A superb performance of Zbigniew Cybulski, who died a tragic death, a legendary actor who went down in the history of international cinematography by starring in “Popiół i diament” and “Rękopis znaleziony w Sarragossie”. Cybulski was awarded a Golden Duck for the best actor in the history of the Polish cinema.
Hypnotizing music by Wojciech Kilar adds emphasis to the sophisticated and ingenious cinematography.
A gripping story about sport, devotion and ambition which may turn into obsession.
Paweł Jańczak, a non-accredited coach of high diving, wants to drink himself to oblivion. When he spots a talented amateur Majka at the swimming pool, he decides to try and regain his lost position by training her. He persuades the girl to embark on an accelerated training schedule, he imposes a strict regime and gradually takes control over her life. At the Championship of Poland Majka finds out that the last boy coached by Jańczak ended up in a wheelchair after making a dive he had not been properly prepared for. The character notices analogies between the handicapped boy and herself. Forced by the coach, she performs the last, risky dive and wins the Championship. A moment later, she runs away from the stadium.
Excerpt from the movie
