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.

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.

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.

This movie is not well known but it's really worth watching. I don't know much about Polish cinema but this is probably one of the best Polish movies. It's very entertaining crime comedy. The budged of this film is pretty low but the plot, acting and directing compensate it. There isn't much jokes but the ending was really funny. It's also good as a crime movie. I liked the dialogs between criminals and also the way they planed bank robbery. If you get a chance to see this movie, don't waste it because it's really interesting (althau it may appear a little boring in the beginning). I also liked the style of these gangsters - the way they talked and worked reminded me of some Hollywood crime movies.

I love this film since childhood. He is very popular in Russia. Great soundtrack. Great acting. I've watched this movie many times and every time I like it more and more. Thanks.