Alles auf eine Karte

Very good story and plenty of great cast. Diectors very first debut.

Jan Machulski is a father of director.

Very gool roles of supportin crew. Dialogues became classics.

This is one of the very excellent movies that you don't get to see often. A twisted plot, good humor, excellent play and the unique atmosphere of the 30's capture you. There is not really much to add to it, except that Va-Bank II might be even better ! If you are able to see this film - see it. I am running out of words to tell you how wonderful the movie is. I have already mentioned that the actors' play is terrific, but you really have to see it to appreciate it. Every little detail was prepared for you to bring you into the 30's. Everything is good, even the music that the main character plays on his trumpet is excellent (I still remember it :) ) I just wonder - Polish people don't comment on IMDb or what ? This film is highly appreciate all round the ex-USSR, so if you somehow missed it - don't lose your chance.

I love this film since childhood. He is very popular in Russia. Great soundtrack. Great acting. I've watched this movie many times and every time I like it more and more. Thanks.

With other reviewers stating this is "absolutely brilliant" and "best Polish movie ever" you wonder how great this movie will be. The truth is that it's passable, certainly for a 1981 movie, but it isn't the gem I was waiting for. I watched Vabank and Vabank II in a row so that I could compare them easilier. The first Vabank is okay to watch once and that's if you're not too picky. The acting was passable, nothing great either but it was okay. The "heist" was interesting to watch and made you want to watch the second Vabank (that turned out to be disappointing). The Polish language isn't a very pleasing language to listen to so that was also a negative point for me. As for the humor it's barely present, it's more about the heist than it's funny. In my humble opinion this movie is highly overrated, even for a Polish movie from that era.

I must say that I'm little dissatisfied reading these "plot summaries" where authors say "Kwinto has only revenge in his mind". That is misconception quite common. In fact the film director shows it clearly enough to learn that Kwinto has no revenge in mind. It is likely he will accept the money from Kramer if only Kramer haven't killed his best friend. This murder is the only reason why he decide to take revenge on Kramer and we can see it clearly.

The film itself is a real masterpiece. One can feel as if it was really made in the thirties not fifty years later. Also the language used in the film would be found archaic today but it is how they were talking in the 30's. The plot is dynamic and interesting without any "blackholes of boredom" which are common in many polish films.