Vabank

This is a debut movie from Juliusz Machulski , Polish director who is in Poland often called "Polish Spielberg" . He specialize in making comedies and "Vabank" is one of his best movies. It's a movie about con artists set in Warsaw in the 30's , before World War II.

The movie was made in the 80's in Poland during the communism , so the budget wasn't too big and the art-direction might look a little cheap for modern audiences . It's the script that is the star of movie . Full of Polish brisk humor and many small twists it's a pleasure to watch . The final is really surprising . It's also interesting that main hero is played by Jan Machulski father of the director and that the opening credits appear after 7 minutes of the movie.

Add to that a good direction , professional acting (good Jan Machulski as the hero , great Leonard Pietraszak as the villain) , elegant and catchy music by Henryk Kuźniar and a lot of charm – "Vabank" is must see for all movie lovers .

I give it 8/10.

I must say that I'm little dissatisfied reading these "plot summaries" where authors say "Kwinto has only revenge in his mind". That is misconception quite common. In fact the film director shows it clearly enough to learn that Kwinto has no revenge in mind. It is likely he will accept the money from Kramer if only Kramer haven't killed his best friend. This murder is the only reason why he decide to take revenge on Kramer and we can see it clearly.

The film itself is a real masterpiece. One can feel as if it was really made in the thirties not fifty years later. Also the language used in the film would be found archaic today but it is how they were talking in the 30's. The plot is dynamic and interesting without any "blackholes of boredom" which are common in many polish films.

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!

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.