The Man with the Magic Box

The man with the magic box is an extravagant and imperfect work, capable of weaving a myriad of ideas in the course of its incessant narration that are not always developed properly.

The reference points in the cinematographic field certainly remain one of the cornerstones of the trend such as the monumental Brazil (1985) by Terry Gilliam and in general the murky and creeping atmospheres of the compatriot Roman Polanski, but it is also possible to find camera movements à la Gaspar Noé.

If the Men in Black franchise is already mentioned in the dialogues in the prologue, the homage to David Fincher's Fight Club (1999) in a particular copy-paste scene is equally shameless. And then again Linea Mortale (1990) and temporal connections in the wake of what we saw, more recently, in the surprising L'immensità della notte (2019).

Too many references to cinema and literature denature the originality.

Certainly appreciable work, especially for lovers of the vein, which however falls under the weight of unexpressed ambitions.

It's a film that will live and grow with you long after! Although you may initially by disappointed.

The Man with the Magic Box channels the spirit of 1984, Brazil, Dark City, and Blade Runner, creating a world that feels both familiar and distinctly Eastern European. The device the protagonist discovers isn't just a plot point - it feels deeply rooted in Polish sci-fi tradition, blending nostalgia with a sense of unease. The film's commentary on authoritarianism is sharp, yet balanced by a tender romantic thread that grounds the narrative emotionally.

Visually, the film is stunning, with cinematography that crafts a bleak but beautiful dystopia. The acting, particularly from Olga Boladz and Piotr Polak, breathes life into characters who are compelling even when the plot occasionally meanders. There's a rawness to the performances that feels authentic, elevating the emotional stakes.

Despite all this, The Man with the Magic Box isn't a film that fits neatly into typical sci-fi rankings. It's not a blockbuster - it's more introspective and atmospheric, which may explain the lower ratings. But that's also what makes it special. It lingers with you, inviting reflection long after the credits roll. If you appreciate unconventional, thought-provoking cinema, this film is a hidden gem worth your time.

It is an intriguing film, puzzling at first, but I found that built tension and increased my desire to keep watching. If I gave a synopsis, it would spoil it, however I could indicate that while the film is SciFi based, it really is about relationships, love, and humanity. The message I got was that dystopian governments will never crush humanity.

If you like thoughtful films that progress slowly, revealing the story in a careful and human way, then you will be moved by the wonderful, creative vision of the writer and director.

The acting was good, particularity that of Olga Boladz (Goria). I liked Helena Norowicz (Ursula) with her portrayal of the old woman. Sebastian Stankiewicz (Sebastian) was consistently true in his role as well, which I don't want to give away as it would be a spoiler.