A janitor in Warsaw stumbles upon a time-traveling device in his apartment and gets stuck in the past while the woman he's been seeing looks for him.A janitor in Warsaw stumbles upon a time-traveling device in his apartment and gets stuck in the past while the woman he's been seeing looks for him.A janitor in Warsaw stumbles upon a time-traveling device in his apartment and gets stuck in the past while the woman he's been seeing looks for him.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 5 nominations total
Sebastian Stankiewicz
- Sebastian
- (as Sebastian Stanki Stankiewicz)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured review
It's a film that will live and grow with you long after! Although you may initially by disappointed.
The Man with the Magic Box channels the spirit of 1984, Brazil, Dark City, and Blade Runner, creating a world that feels both familiar and distinctly Eastern European. The device the protagonist discovers isn't just a plot point - it feels deeply rooted in Polish sci-fi tradition, blending nostalgia with a sense of unease. The film's commentary on authoritarianism is sharp, yet balanced by a tender romantic thread that grounds the narrative emotionally.
Visually, the film is stunning, with cinematography that crafts a bleak but beautiful dystopia. The acting, particularly from Olga Boladz and Piotr Polak, breathes life into characters who are compelling even when the plot occasionally meanders. There's a rawness to the performances that feels authentic, elevating the emotional stakes.
Despite all this, The Man with the Magic Box isn't a film that fits neatly into typical sci-fi rankings. It's not a blockbuster - it's more introspective and atmospheric, which may explain the lower ratings. But that's also what makes it special. It lingers with you, inviting reflection long after the credits roll. If you appreciate unconventional, thought-provoking cinema, this film is a hidden gem worth your time.
The Man with the Magic Box channels the spirit of 1984, Brazil, Dark City, and Blade Runner, creating a world that feels both familiar and distinctly Eastern European. The device the protagonist discovers isn't just a plot point - it feels deeply rooted in Polish sci-fi tradition, blending nostalgia with a sense of unease. The film's commentary on authoritarianism is sharp, yet balanced by a tender romantic thread that grounds the narrative emotionally.
Visually, the film is stunning, with cinematography that crafts a bleak but beautiful dystopia. The acting, particularly from Olga Boladz and Piotr Polak, breathes life into characters who are compelling even when the plot occasionally meanders. There's a rawness to the performances that feels authentic, elevating the emotional stakes.
Despite all this, The Man with the Magic Box isn't a film that fits neatly into typical sci-fi rankings. It's not a blockbuster - it's more introspective and atmospheric, which may explain the lower ratings. But that's also what makes it special. It lingers with you, inviting reflection long after the credits roll. If you appreciate unconventional, thought-provoking cinema, this film is a hidden gem worth your time.
Storyline
Did you know
- ConnectionsReferences Men in Black (1997)
- SoundtracksThe Shadow of the Future
Music by Sandro Di Stefano
Arranged by Sandro Di Stefano
Performed by Dnepropetrovsk Philharmonic Orchestra & Andrea Castelli
- How long is The Man with the Magic Box?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- The Man with the Magic Box
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- PLN 5,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 43 minutes
- Color
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Top Gap
By what name was Czlowiek z magicznym pudelkiem (2017) officially released in Canada in English?
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