Treasure

Treasure follows Ruth, the daughter of two Polish/Jewish Holocaust survivors, who journeys to Poland in 1991 to see places important to her family's story. Ruth's father, Edek, only accompanies her because he doesn't believe a women should travel alone. The best, most poignant scenes are a visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp, where Edek and his late wife were imprisoned, and a scene where a family treasure is found.

The rest of the movie is tedious, with many father/daughter disputes, including a very awkward argument in front of three people they only met a few days before. The lack of tolerance between Ruth and Edek is painful to watch. Although Ruth wants to find her Polish roots, she seems disdainful of the Polish people and culture, even the food.

The movie is inaccurately billed as a comedy/drama. I didn't expect much comedy, and most attempts at humor fell flat. The few touching moments are overwhelmed by exaggerated father/daughter conflict.

The movie is very moving. It shows the different facets of the victim and repression and the urge to protect the children from it, but also the daughter's point of view, who wants to know and understand what her family had to go through. In addition, the relationship between two adults who have the role of child and father is palpable. Both characters only want the best for each other, even though they appear to be mutual. The story doesn't feel like a movie you're watching. You are emotionally taken along on the journey and can experience some of the poignant moments. Beautiful and sad at the same time, it shows the resilience of a person who has experienced tragedy and can still experience joyful moments at the same places.

My husband is Polish and I've been to Poland many times. We saw the premise, and that it starred Stephen Fry, and so we decided to watch the film, as an opportunity to laugh at Stephen Fry. My husband is very particular when judging foreigners pretending to be Polish. When he saw Sophie's Choice he enquired who was that foreigner trying to pretend to be a Lithuanian? (Meryl Streep), but he was impressed with Fry's spoken Polish 'only a wift of a foreign accent' he says. He was less impressed with Fry's Polish accent when speaking English, but beggars can't be choosers. Personally I think it would have been better to cast a Polish actor in the lead role and I'm not sure if Lena was best cast in her role either. But I find that it's the kind of film that is made the more fascinating and memorable by its flawed and surprising casting. The cinematography is intelligent and carefully done without ever being pretentious or patronising and the script is unnerving; a little messy and flitting from genre to genre - just like real life (the Polish supporting cast are also great.) I found this film to be one of those golden nuggets that hangs around me afterwards. I find myself thinking about this film a lot. There is plenty of nuance in this film; a lot of depth and realism and details that are easily missed if you watch this film in the wrong mood or have too narrow an expectation of what a film of this subject matter ought to be. Watch the film with an open mind and laser focus, and you will get the most out of it.

I thought I wouldn't like it because of the Stephen Fry insert in such a serious movie. But boy was I wrong, and quick to judge!

If you're rating this less than a 6, I can only assume you're either a soursop or someone who prefers mass-market pop movies like those churned out by Marvel. This film offers so much more than surface-level entertainment; it has depth, originality, and craftsmanship that deserve recognition. While it might not cater to mainstream tastes, it's a refreshing alternative for those who appreciate cinema with substance and a unique voice. Don't overlook its brilliance just because it's not what you're used to seeing in big-budget blockbusters.

It challenges viewers to think deeply and engage with its narrative, rather than passively consume flashy visuals. This is a film made for those who appreciate cinema as an art in its purest form.

The story is foremost, the acting is genuine. The story is presented in a respectful manner, it's hard to convey such a repugnant time in history.

They got it right, there are many ways to get it wrong or to be offensive. Heartfelt yet direct. I'll not influence the story line. A must watch production those that can identify with the story line and subject will without doubt be moved. Sadly due to the polarization in the world today, the subject matter could create conflict. My hopes are that everyone will feel the humanity and come away with positivity and respect for the experiences presented.