Richard Brzostek - 08/11/2006 
Jerzy Hoffman may be best known for his With Fire and Sword (Ogniem i Mieczem) but his earlier films are just as brilliant. In 1976, two years after his historical epic Potop, Hoffman made Leper (Tredowata). Leper is a romantic drama about forbidden love set in the late 1800s.
Stefcia Rudecka works for a wealthy noble family. She is the personal instructor for Lucia, who lives with her mother and grandfather. Waldemar, the girl\'s older cousin, comes by to visit and is captivated by Stefcia. Stefcia resists his advances in the beginning but he slowly wears her guard down. Stefcia is cautious for good reason as she feels she wouldn\'t fit into his world.
Waldemar\'s family strongly resists his choice in a bride. Generations of family traditions are a force he must contend with as he tries to woo Stefcia. The dazzling manor houses and elaborate gardens are spellbinding and bring us into a world where maintaining one\'s class is a strong force, rivaling the power of love.
Leper captures strong emotions; Stefcia doesn\'t want to be made a fool yet her fears quickly greet her. The nobles she meets are cruel snobs and dismiss her into the status of a \"leper.\" The emotions are only intensified by the powerful music by Wojciech Kilar (who I find to be one of the best modern composers). If you enjoyed Hoffman\'s historical films and are curious to see what else he made, you have to check out Leper. |
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