Susan Pettibone - 08/19/2010 
While the nefarious and ruthless strategies and tactics of the Staasi in E Germany and the Polish police under the communist dictatorship there in the mid-60's may be familiar to some, TAM I Z POWROTEM places them in a powerful personal perspective. According to the notes at the end of the film, this is a true story of two men, imprisoned for years in a military camp for their underground support of the pre-communist government. Now, in 1965, one is a gifted surgeon practicing in a city hospital, but he continues to endure constant pressure and harassment, not only by the police, but by colleagues and malevolent informers. The other man is an artist who fixes cars to eke out a living. He manages to remain below the radar, but he lives a life of hiding, unemployable and debased. When the latter is hospitalized, he recognizes the doctor as a former fellow-prisoner and attempts to rekindle the friendship with a risky plan for both men to flee Poland. What ensues is a twisty and extremely suspenseful series of events. The story unfolds subtly and with great sensitivity towards both men, each of whom has a different motive for leaving the country. Their sensibliities and personal ethics are vastly different as well, although both are sympathetic characters. How will their plan play out? A terrific and deeply moving film, well made and powerful. Highly recommended |
Richard Brzostek - 08/02/2009
Andrzej Hoffman (Janusz Gajos) is a surgeon that saves lives on a daily basis. However, he is haunted by events from his past, which happened twenty years ago. Hoffman was a partisian, fighting for his country to fend off both Germans and Russians. After the war when the dust settled, he served time in prison for his "crime." Tragically, his prison sentence kept him away from his wife and child in England. Now in 1965, some twenty years later, he desperately wants to reunite with them.
When Hoffman's old friend from the war days pays him a visit, he is offered a way out. Jurek (Jan Frycz) proposes they rob a bank so that they can buy passports and leave the country. Hoffman hesitantly agrees to help with the heist out of desperation. Both have their own motivation to consider such a drastic resort, which complicates the issue of right and wrong. The suspense runs high throughout the entire film but intensifies from the time they start planning the robbery.
There and Back (Tam i z Powrotem) is a fantastic Polish drama because it has a great moral dilemma. What makes this a stirring movie is that we get to see how Hoffman struggles to do what is right, even though his problems stemmed from actions the communist government disliked and their actual criminality merely a matter of viewpoint. It is a very touching story that is sure to make you feel a range of emotions.
There and Back is a great drama for several reasons. Overall, there is a lot of suspense and won't put you to sleep. The music is very emotional and works well with the story. The acting is top rate. As usual, Gajos delivers an outstanding performance. I would highly recommend this movie to everyone and is likely to please even the harshest of critics. |
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