La sbancata - L'inafferrabile mr. Vabank

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.

In my opinion Vabank is definitely the best Polish crime comedy of all times.

Great casting, acting, dialogues and overall atmosphere. And the plot is so cool you are impressed every time you watch it.

I don't how the jokes sound translated into English, but in Polish they are top notch. And you will appreciate it even more after watching tons of expensive Hollywood unfunny crime comedies.

Also the attention to detail when it comes to cars, interiors, costumes is really impressive. This movie really has everything. If you got a chance definitely check it out!

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.

Polish cinema is not famous for its "entertainment" movies. At least, outside Poland. It is "artistic" and "dramatic" movies by early Polanski, Wajda and Kieslowski that were noticed and awarded throughout the world. And yet, there were few comedies that could be world hits or, at least, the European ones. They were in Poland and in east-Eueropean countries, especially in the Soviet Union. These are famous three by Juliusz Machulski: "Vabank", "Vabank 2" and "Seksmisja". "Vabank" - Machulski's debut is a precise and funny little masterpiece. The plot is twisted in "The Sting" style and is executed witch charm and wit. Acting, dialogs, music is superb; it's one of those unique films when every little detail falls into a right place. If You have any chance to rent it or catch it on TV, don't miss it. You won't be disappointed and surely You'll be interested in the sequel which (quite rare thing) is equally good.