The Peasants

Every man IS a pig, and every woman too, in this adaptation of Wladyslaw Reymont's Nobel Prize-winning novel about life in a 19th Century village. A young woman, Jagna, digs for gold when she marries a wealthy and much older widower. When she continues seeing the man's son on the side, she gets in trouble with both father and son. Jagna tries to chart her own path. "I don't need help from men," she says "I've had enough of their help already."

This resplendent and heart rending live-action film was created with 40,000 frames of oil paintings. It features revamped Polish folk songs, compelling dialogue, and raucous, energetic dance sequences. The detailed artwork adds contrast, light, color, and emotion to the performances of the actors. It was tough for the actors who had to perform before green screens sometimes, but they persevered.

The husband-and-wife team of directors were present for the world premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. DK dedicated the film to her father who supported her, and to "all the women who are making difficult choices and standing for who they are." The directors explored the use of artificial intelligence but thought it lacked human touch, sensibility, and the element of surprise. The composer who did an incredible job of adapting Polish folk music to fit the film's format, jokingly told the directors, "I spent more time with you than with my wife, so sorry if she doesn't talk to you anymore." The film took four years to make.

"Chlopi " (The Peasants) is a cinematic painted masterpiece telling us captivating story about search of love and happiness in 19th century rural area. In this picture music, breathtaking visuals, and dance come together. The soundtrack stirs emotions, the visuals capture rustic beauty, and intricate dance sequences add depth to the story. This film showcases the power of art forms to create an immersive and emotionally resonant experience, transporting the audience to a world where music, visuals, and dance are integral to the characters' lives. A sensory delight that leaves a lasting impression.

Wow... I did not expect this movie to be as incredible as it was!

As a Pole raised in England, I haven't touched bases with a lot of Polish literature. But this movie (based off of the Nobel Prize nominated book) was a great experience.

Not only is it beautifully made and animated, the story was extremely tragic and real.

All of the characters are greatly developed, the plot is enticing, and the music is just perfect.

I would recommend this movie to everyone, Polish or not. Not only is it insight and commentary on past Poland, but also on masculinity, femininity, class, and community.

10/10.

This film is worth watching primarily for the artistic work. I believe that it would not have been so attractive if it had been made using ordinary techniques. It should be said that the film is Polish, as far as the cast and authors are concerned, but as far as the work on animation and drawing is concerned, it is absolutely Serbian and a lot of people worked on it. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's what I've been told. Anyway, it deserves to be awarded in every sense, because the idea is fantastic! The topic is always relevant, anywhere, whether in the village or at the court, at that time, and even now.

Stunning and heartbreaking, highly reccomended!

Beautiful story about love, jealousy and greed. The movie was brilliantly acted, brilliant music (I still hear it in my ears).

I always loved Reymont's book, TV-series from 2973 was excellent, but this adaptation stole my heart, for sure.

I was afraid whether I would like the painted film, it turned out that it does not interfere with watching it at all, especially that the characters are not as distorted as in Vincent, you can recognize the actors. Btw it was a great pleasure to recognize the paintings woven into the movie, polish painters (Chelmonski, Falat), but also Vermeer, van Gogh, Munch.