Alternative Film for November 17th: "WEDDING", 2004

It's a mystery to me who were the people who voted for Krauze's 'Debt', a close runner up for October OKO film, which consequently got scheduled for November meeting.  In private conversations I was told by several people who regularly come to OKO screenings that they are going to skip it, as it's too scary to watch on November evening, they do not wish to squirm before driving home at night.  Frankly, for the very same reason I was planning to bring a book and not to watch it myself (and view this acclaimed movie on some sunny day later).

I'm still going to bring 'Debt' on November 17th OKO Film Club, in case the mystery voters show up, but  I'm also going to bring a second film, ironic comedy titled 'Wedding" (Dir. Wojciech Smarzowski, 2004), and let whoever comes decide which film to watch.

Wojnar is a wealthy man who is marrying off his beautiful daughter Kasia, in a small town in present day Poland. Wojnar had to bribe the groom with a fancy car, since Kasia was pregnant by another man. At the end of the ceremony, the car is delivered by a gangster, who immediately demands the promised money and the deed to land from Kasia's grandfather. Unfortunately grandpa is unwilling to let go of the land. Meanwhile each of the workers at the reception demand to be paid, so Wojnar, who is very reluctant to part with his money, tries to haggle and bribe his way out of all the situations. Written by Will Gilbert

Here is 'The Wedding' trailer on YouTube.
Here a link to film review in English.
Here to film description in Polish, and a review,  also in Polish.

Posted 11/18/10.  Great meeting of friends to watch a movie together, but not sure about the film itself.   Described often as 'bitter-ironic' picture or a comedy, rewarded and noticed at festivals, 'The Wedding' didn't really won me over:  the formula of mixing too much vodka and never ending mishaps tired me fast and was all too predictable.  Also, the director didn't seem to like any of his characters, each and every one of them is ridiculed without any compassion for the life they were born into.  So why  spend the time to tell their story? Just to laugh at their shortcomings, without offering some sort of universal hope or redemption for all the lives born into spiritual wasteland?


I don't know, perhaps I'm just Polish movied-out... There used to be a time when Poland offered great insights and ideas in film.  It doesn't seem to be a case any longer.  Most Polish movies of recent times seem a big disappointment, and based on the idea on how it 'll sell out in theaters: Gory enough?  Gross enough? Funny enough? Will sell fast and enough? Please...


Fortunately, the idea of showing 'The Hourglass Sanatorium' by Wojciech Has (1973) - based on Bruno Schultz mind-blowing prose - came up during our meeting for screening in January or February...


So fasten your belts, we are back to good movies....