Ogniomistrz Kalen

A beautiful tale of soldier's misadventures during the turbulent immediate aftermath (1946) of the second world war in Poland. Magnificently shot in Bieszczady mountains, where the actual story is set. Great performances by all but especially by Wieslaw Golas, who is his cheerful best throughout. It's a serious film but thanks to him it's also quite funny sometimes. There are more comedy touches from other actors too - check out the face of a policeman holding out against the attack by the anti-communist partisans, where the old man above him shouts insults at them. We don't know of course if this policeman considered surrendering but now he knows that he has no such option. Film is obviously shown from the point of view of winning and governing Polish communist side but shows the complicated events when Ukrainian nationalists have actively cooperated with Polish anti-communist partisans. All the classic elements of a good western (or rather eastern) are there: horse chases, escapes, ambushes, shoot outs etc. Thoroughly enjoyable but also smart war film from the creative duo of husband and wife.