A dramatization of one man's rescue of Jewish refugees in the Nazi-occupied Polish city of Lvov.
Director:
Agnieszka Holland
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Title: In Darkness (2011)
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Edit
Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Robert Wieckiewicz | ... |
Leopold Socha
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| Benno Fürmann | ... |
Mundek Margulies
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| Agnieszka Grochowska | ... |
Klara Keller
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| Maria Schrader | ... |
Paulina Chiger
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Herbert Knaup | ... |
Ignacy Chiger
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Marcin Bosak | ... |
Yanek Weiss
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Julia Kijowska | ... |
Chaja
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Jerzy Walczak | ... |
Jacob Berestycki
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Oliwer Stanczak | ... |
Pawel Chiger
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Milla Bankowicz | ... |
Krystyna Chiger
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Krzysztof Skonieczny | ... |
Szczepek
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| Kinga Preis | ... |
Wanda Socha
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Aleksander Mincer | ... |
Szlomo Landsberg
(as Olek Mincer)
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Piotr Glowacki | ... |
Icek Frenkiel
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Maria Semotiuk | ... |
Mania Keller
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Edit
Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
Storyline
IN DARKNESS tells the true story of Leopold Socha who risks his own life to save a dozen people from certain death. Initially only interested in his own good, the thief and burglar hides Jewish refugees for 14 months in the sewers of the Nazi-occupied town of Lvov (former Poland). Written by Anonymous
Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for violence, disturbing images, sexuality, nudity and language | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Release Date:
9 February 2012 (Germany) See more »Also Known As:
A város alatt See more »Box Office
Opening Weekend:
$27,413 (USA) (10 February 2012)Gross:
$1,038,733 (USA) (11 May 2012)Company Credits
Production Co:
Schmidtz Katze Filmkollektiv, Film Works, The, Polski Instytut Sztuki Filmowej See more »
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby DigitalColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
Edit
Written by Henry Vars (as Henryk Wars) and Emanuel Schlechter
Performed by Milla Bankowicz
Licensed Courtesy of ZAIKS (Poland)
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Poland's candidate to compete for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2012 Academy Awards. See more »Goofs
When Leopold is being brought by soldiers to meet Kovalev, he has a bag, then he hasn't and then he has it again. See more »Soundtracks
Tonko's LullabyWritten by Henry Vars (as Henryk Wars) and Emanuel Schlechter
Performed by Milla Bankowicz
Licensed Courtesy of ZAIKS (Poland)
See more »
My last day in Savannah, I had the the misfortune of having to choose between seeing Lily Tomlin in person at a tribute/screening of "The Late Show" or seeing Agnieszka Holland's baity but promising Holocaust drama, "In Darkness." I chose the later with the hope that I would see Tomlin somewhere around town. I didn't spot her, but I am very pleased with my choice.
"In Darkness" tells the tale of Leopold Socha, a Catholic sewer worker in Lvov, Poland during the Nazi occupation. Along with his work partner, Socha (played magnificently by Robert Wieckiewicz) has begun breaking into the vacant homes of Jewish citizens that have been moved into the ghetto and stashing their valuables in the sewers for his own personal safekeeping. Meanwhile, as the Nazi's began their assault on the ghetto, a large group of Jews manage to dig down under their house and into the sewers where they are surprised by Socha just minutes after breaking through. Socha sees an opportunity to make some money and a deal is struck.
The audience is introduced to so many characters in the first half hour, it can be a bit difficult to know who you really need to focus on. Aside from the obvious lead, Socha, it soon becomes apparent who the other main players are and you form your attachments appropriately. While you see Socha as a loving husband and hard-working father right off the bat, how he takes advantage of the already desperate crowd he finds beneath the city showcases him as a bit less than a hero. Having him forced on you as the unlikely protagonist allows for a great evolution to play out. Wieckiewicz gives us a deeply nuanced turn as he we watch him learn both the impact he has had on those in the darkness and the impact they have had on him.
Visually, the movie is as dark as the name suggests. At least half of the film takes place in the sewers, thus evoking the proper sense of claustrophobia. A couple shots in particular felt nearly iconic to me; a woman in vivid blue running through the gray streets of the ghetto during the Nazi raid, Socha bringing a little girl up to the surface just enough to poke her head above the street. The production tips closer to minimalistic than lush, which works well under Holland's careful direction and in the bleak setting.
The movie is very powerful and carries a scholarly tone that should allow it to maintain a presence in the genre for years. As far as the Academy is concerned, this is a sure bet for a Best Foreign Language nomination (as Poland's submission) and a definite contender to take home the trophy. Wieckiewicz would have a place on my ballot as well as considerations for the film in Best Picture and several technical categories. This would be a great film for the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival to add to their lineup.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Check out more reviews by Cameron McAllister at Reel Georgia - www.ReelGA.com