Pokolenie (A Generation) (1954)

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(627 ratings)

A Generation is the first of Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda's "underground trilogy"-and also Wajda's first-ever feature film. Originally titled Pokolenie, the film dissects the impact that World War II had on the youth of Poland. Tadevsz Lomnicki plays an impressionable young Warsaw resident who… More A Generation is the first of Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda's "underground trilogy"-and also Wajda's first-ever feature film. Originally titled Pokolenie, the film dissects the impact that World War II had on the youth of Poland. Tadevsz Lomnicki plays an impressionable young Warsaw resident who falls in love with resistance leader Ursula Modrzinska. The passion they feel towards their cause is inextricably entwined with the intensity of their feelings towards one another. During several crucial moments, the director contrasts the "official" version of wartime events with the actual facts (many experienced first-hand by Wajda), partly as a means of explaining the peacetime disillusionment of so many young Poles. As a result, the film was subject to an overabundance of government interference when it was first released. Watch closely in the Underground scenes of A Generation and you'll spot a young Roman Polanski. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Andrzej Wajda
Written By: Bohdan Czeszko
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Jan 26, 1955 Wide
On DVD: Dec 31, 1997

Critic Reviews

Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Wajda's Warsaw is a striking panorama of burgeoning political consciences unfortunately weighted down by studied Film School Shots
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
Wajda's expressionism is a powerful force, even if his symbolism veers from the tacky to the profound

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Featured Audience Ratings

cody f

The first film of Wajda's War Trilogy. It's a very good for Wadja's first film, but there are some amateur mistakes. The story is about a young man who starts out stealing coal from the Nazi's to leading a Polish Resistance. Very good story with great characters.… More
The first film of Wajda's War Trilogy. It's a very good for Wadja's first film, but there are some amateur mistakes. The story is about a young man who starts out stealing coal from the Nazi's to leading a Polish Resistance. Very good story with great characters. The problem is some of the staging of the action. It is a little awkward and not well planned out.The film is fast paced and can be a little confusing. It is still entertaining and a great effort for a first film.
Emily B

The first in Andrzej Wajda's War Trilogy. A Generation tells the story of a group of Communist youths attempting to fight against the Nazis in occupied Poland. Not the most exciting film but the short running time means you don't get bored. Also look out for a very young… More
The first in Andrzej Wajda's War Trilogy. A Generation tells the story of a group of Communist youths attempting to fight against the Nazis in occupied Poland. Not the most exciting film but the short running time means you don't get bored. Also look out for a very young Roman Polanski.