Dlug

Krzysztof Krauze's "Dług" ("The Debt" in English) is an intense movie in and of itself, focusing on a pair of men whose involvement with a gangster has some VERY unpleasant consequences. But even more unnerving is that it's based on a true story (read about Sławomir Sikora and Artur Bryliński). It sounds as though the movie is also an allusion to Poland's rapid transition to a market economy in the 1990s, which was essentially a shock doctrine. But moreover, anyone could make the mistake that these men make in an attempt to get rich.

I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, but it's a good cautionary tale about moneymaking schemes that spin out of control. If your aim is simply to get rich, expect some bad things to happen. The Gordon Gekko types may idolize greed, but what's it done for the rest of us?

Two friends, Adam and Stefanek, land in a soup as they are looking for a business loan and Stefanek runs into an ex-neighbour of his, Gerard. He tells Gerard his business plan and Gerard offers to get a buyer.

However, the deal doesn't work. Yet, Gerard keeps harassing the two friends to recover his costs.

Realities dawn slowly, adding to the mild suspense of the film. The acting is top class as the two friends face unusual and unexpected situations and try to come out of them unharmed.

This is an atmospheric, cold movie. The least it would do is to make you think. What are the options? What are the alternatives?

Based on true events, the movie shows the dilemma faced by law-abiding people confronted by ruthless, petty criminals. The Police is simply not interested - there is not enough evidence to get a conviction, so why bother. In the meantime, the victims and their families are being gradually destroyed as the criminals are trying to force them to re-pay an imaginary debt. This movie will make you think - how would you react - what would you do differently to avoid the final tragedy. Excellent acting, strong plot, high quality DVD with excellent English subtitles - well worth watching.

This is a masterpiece of a movie that will make you think twice about trusting your "friends". The fact that it is based upon a true story adds a whole other dimension to it. Interestingly enough, I read that the movie moved the Polish courts to reopen the criminal case upon which it was based. Truly a pity that it was not submitted to Cannes or Oscars, because it had a good shot for both.

This movie was on television. The story is simple. Two friends get involved with a guy who wants money from them. They pay, but he wants more. This goes on and on. It's them or he (and his strong buddy).

The way it is filmed is very realistic and frightening. it can happen to everybody. At first, Gerard seems very nice. But he'll change.

Makes you think.