Description

Spectacular battles, rollicking humor, and lavish production values frame a sweeping romantic drama that all audiences will enjoy.At the time of its release, this lavish historical epic was the most expensive Polish film ever made.Based on the novel by Henryk Sienkiewicz (QUO VADIS?), this grand drama is set in 17th century Poland during the Cossack uprising against the Polish nobility.As the violent confrontation builds, a battle for the heart of a beautiful girl rages between a dashing Pole and a brutish Ukrainian.This is a special full-length version, including footage not in the original theatrical release. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

DVD version of With Fire & Sword
This movie is great! It is in full screen mode, but it's so much better than the widescreen version no longer available. This movie was originally filmed to be a TV series of 4 episodes. When the widescreen movie came out, the distributors cut the movie up and there is about 10% of the movie missing. Polart has released the full length version, but unfortunately no widescreen version is available in Poland. The story is very good. This recently filmed movie has some of the most amazing costumes and battle scenes. It's a great story, and is based on historical events, so history buffs should love it.

What a Shame!
First, the manufacturers of this DVD should have there heads examined and their post production staff fired! First, the film and the others in the trilogy are presented in a flacid, grainy, FULL FRAME version. This epic was shot in scope (2.35 : 1 widescreen). In fact, the widescreen VHS version looks better! Also, I find it hard to believe that one of Poland's great film epics was mixed in two channel stereo and not 5.1. Overall, if you want this film, search out the widescreen VHS version until they get this DVD and the others right...if ever! ... Read more

Description

An elegant, sensitive and humorous view of the friendship between an older man and a teenage girl.The film steps outside any usual or familiar cinematic framework, becomes a much larger work than the simple story of an adult man and a teenage girl's friendship. Just like the early films of Poland's Kustorica, or like Tanovic's "No Man's Land," director Jakimowski is a master of his art, balancing gravity and irony, comedy and reality, the elements that can turn a very good film into something really great. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Film About Friendship
"Squint Your Eyes" is a film about the friendship between a teenage girl and a man (Zbigniew Zamachowski) more than three times her age. The girl runs away from her parents, stays with the older man, and they form an odd, but innocent friendship. As the new friends interact and learn about each other, the viewers get a chance to reflect on Life itself.

I found the film to be very relaxing, but not boring. The film is a study in calm, with little action and no gunfights, as the older man lives in a world apart from everyone else. His landscape is picturesque and peaceful. Living away from the busy city life, he spends his days in the quiet farmlands with nothing more to do than simply gaze at the world around him.

"Squint Your Eyes" is an artistic drama, but also has its moments of good, solid humor. Overall, it's a statement about friendship and lifestyles. This is one to watch with your whole family, if the kids will sit still long enough to get into it's slow pace. ... Read more