Made directly after the October thaw in Poland, the film is a shocking slice-of-life drama attacking the communist propaganda of success and exposing the falsehood of socialist realism. Critically acclaimed and popular among viewers, it was taken off the screen shortly after its premiere by the decision of the communist authorities.
Drawing on Italian neorealism in terms of topic and style, the film can be described as a feature-film equivalent of Polish documentaries from the famous “Black Series”.
A bitter, pessimistic story of a single mother who despite being hailed the leader of workship is unable to secure proper care and decent living conditions for her children.
In 1950s Howa Huta, Zofia Stańczakowa is raising four children after her husband abandoned her to pursue a career in the party. To sustain her family, the woman fully commits herself to her work and professional training. Consequently, her oldest son, 14-year-old Adam, has to look after the house and do all house chores. Forced to work hard every day, the boy reaches the end of his tether. His peers mock him, while teachers and neighbors see him a lazy troublemaker without trying to find out about or understand his situation. After another hard day and an argument with his mother, Adam runs away from home. While wandering around the city, he joins a group of hooligans.
