The first independent and at the same time most important film by Stanisław Lenartowicz, an artist who was for many years unappreciated and pushed away – today he’s rightfully considered the “master of mood” and of the greatest individualities of Polish cinema.
An intimate psychological drama considered one of the greatest achievements of Polish cinema from after Polish October of 1956. The film was a precursor of the Polish film school. It was created in opposition to the style of socialist realism and helped create a new style of filmmaking – one that focuses on the image, that is full of symbols and hints, with emphasis on atmosphere and interacting with the viewer.
The action takes place in a small rural town where everyone knows each other and life runs forward at a standard pace. The old railwayman Rumsza and his wife are waiting for the return of their only living son Józek, who is just finishing his army term. Surprisingly, the young man arrives together with Zosia, who is pregnant. Doing so, he breaks the promise given to Celina, who Rumsza treated as if she was his own daughter. The shocked railway man doesn’t accept his son’s actions nor the other woman as his daughter in Law, which causes Józek to leave the family home. Celinka still hopes her love will change his mind. Meanwhile Rumsza falls gravely ill which leads him to change his approach.
