El curandero

I waited a long time for a movie (series) adapted from the book and I'm happy that it's finally here. As usual, very good Polish actors, excellent decors and a good adaptation, taking into account that it's just a movie. In my opinion, a series (a short one, 6 of 1 hour episodes would have been enough I think) would have been more appropriate to emphasize the fame and skills of the professor, his reputation and relation with his wife, and his increasingly warm relation to his daughter. However, the movie does a good job given the time limitation, so I recommend it, especially if you read the book.

Znachor adaptation directed by Jerzy Hoffmann remains one of most touching films of my childhood.

So, the curiosity, some serious reserves, the certitude than Jerzy Binczycky has no pair but provocated by the courage of Michael Gazda, I saw it.

And it is far to be dissapointed experience. In fact, two virtues define it - the splendid portrait of Poland life between wars and the high loyalty to the novel.

Sure, the acting is basic virtue and the story grows up with inspired crafted dramatism. But the second virtue is the wise recreation of atmosphere, using old buildings and clothes, nice cinematography , fair use of nature.

The story is familiar and its dramatic reflexes, good use of humor drops, the dialogue are great good points. And, indeed, Leszek Lichota is fair option for Professor.

In short, just a beautiful gift.

I watched part of it last night and could not wait until tonight to finish it. It was warm and wonderful and such a soothing movie. All of the actors were great and the musical score was fabulous. The relationship between the have, and the have not, was not realistic in real life terms. I especially liked the character of the Doctor's newly found girlfriend. She as a fav character and emoted so much emotion and feeling. I was happy to see him "kiss" her. He took his time. He did not understand code for "just wanted to see if you need anything before you go to bed." It was a darling movie and wish we had more offering in that genre.

International audiences should know where the negative opinions of some Polish film reviewers come from. Well, the book Znachor (The Quack), written in 1937 by Tadeusz Dolega-Mostowicz (initially as a screenplay), lived to see three screen adaptations. The first one, directed by Michal Waszynski, was also filmed in 1937, the second one, directed by Jerzy Hoffman, premiered in 1981, and this one, albeit a rather loose adaptation of the novel (especially when it comes to the character of Professor Dobraniecki, who is a disgusting character in the book) gained recognition from Polish audiences and acquired the status of an icon of Polish cinematography, and icons are not touched in Poland. At least that's what some people think, especially those who can't tear themselves away from what was, no matter what the quality of the new one is.

Meanwhile, the new adaptation (yes adaptation, not remake) of the novel "The Quack", which has the international title "Forgotten Love", is a brilliantly shot, charming film about love, goodness, loyalty to principles and a bit about Poland as it was between the World Wars. Wonderful cinematography, great music interwoven with folk songs, set and costume design, and excellent acting (there really is no weak role in this film) make you travel back in time to the first half of the 20th century for 2 hours and 20 minutes feeling as if you are almost there, in the beautiful Polish countryside. You will love the characters and identify with them, and when the film is over you will want to watch it again. In the previous version, Hoffman made the rascal Dobraniecki into a knight on a white horse who rescues Professor Wilczur from his oppression; in this version, this miserable careerist and scoundrel remains himself to the end, just as in the book. Fans of Hoffman's film will not find the iconic courtroom scene in Forgotten Love, but this could not have happened if the authors had decided to be consistent with Dobraniecki's character. Instead, there is a new version of it, in my opinion more logical, beautiful and truly moving. And the ending? Also different, also consistent with the adaptation adopted and really beautiful. So, don't look at the frustrators and retrogrades, just watch this film and I assure you that not only will you not regret it, but you will experience more than 2 hours of emotion, laughter, reflection and a bit of history, all in beautiful landscapes and scenery that will not return. Highly recommended.

The film attracts your attention with its emotional depth. While we follow what is happenning to Doctor Wilczur, we also witness the warm, hopeful love story of Marysia and Count Czynski. The cinematography, set design and music are quite impressive. Peaceful rural landscapes, villages, peasants... Everything and everyone in this movie is very native and convincing, every scene reveals the hard work done. The performances of the lead actors Leszek Lichota and Maria Kowalska add originality to their characters, I admire both of them pretty much. My only negative comment about the movie is that the ending seemed a bit rushed, they could have made a great mini-series from this movie..