The film attracts your attention with its emotional depth. While we follow what is happenning to Doctor Wilczur, we also witness the warm, hopeful love story of Marysia and Count Czynski. The cinematography, set design and music are quite impressive. Peaceful rural landscapes, villages, peasants... Everything and everyone in this movie is very native and convincing, every scene reveals the hard work done. The performances of the lead actors Leszek Lichota and Maria Kowalska add originality to their characters, I admire both of them pretty much. My only negative comment about the movie is that the ending seemed a bit rushed, they could have made a great mini-series from this movie..
60 Reviews
A Story of Betrayal, Reunion, and Redemption
lavatch28 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
If "Forgotten Love" had been a Lifetime film, the orphaned protagonist Marysia would have had a deranged father and a philandering husband. Instead, she has a father who is a brilliant and compassionate physician with amnesia and a devoted and sensitive fiancé with an aristocratic pedigree.
This Polish film production is epic in its narrative sweep. The orphan Marysia works as a waitress in a Jewish tavern. Ironically, the father, Dr. Wilczur, who was betrayed by a jealous colleague and left for dead, arrives in the small agrarian community and becomes a miracle worker with his medical prowess.
The cinematography was spectacular with a beautiful pastoral environment. The period style of the early twentieth century moves from the horse-and-buggy era to that of motor cars. As time marches on, the clues begin to appear that will reveal the doctor's true identity.
The characters were multi-dimensional, including the beautiful country wench Zoska, who falls in love with Dr. Wilczur. The nasty countess who wants to thwart the union of her son with Marysia, is described by her husband as "a self-righteous and bumptious crone." But even she has a heart and reforms her ways.
The only loose end was the fate of the nefarious doctor who sold out his friend and, to the bitter end, attempts to ruin Dr. Wilczur. But the country wedding of the two couples was splendid and nearly Shakespearean in the carefully crafted reunion and celebration of a community filled with human compassion.
This Polish film production is epic in its narrative sweep. The orphan Marysia works as a waitress in a Jewish tavern. Ironically, the father, Dr. Wilczur, who was betrayed by a jealous colleague and left for dead, arrives in the small agrarian community and becomes a miracle worker with his medical prowess.
The cinematography was spectacular with a beautiful pastoral environment. The period style of the early twentieth century moves from the horse-and-buggy era to that of motor cars. As time marches on, the clues begin to appear that will reveal the doctor's true identity.
The characters were multi-dimensional, including the beautiful country wench Zoska, who falls in love with Dr. Wilczur. The nasty countess who wants to thwart the union of her son with Marysia, is described by her husband as "a self-righteous and bumptious crone." But even she has a heart and reforms her ways.
The only loose end was the fate of the nefarious doctor who sold out his friend and, to the bitter end, attempts to ruin Dr. Wilczur. But the country wedding of the two couples was splendid and nearly Shakespearean in the carefully crafted reunion and celebration of a community filled with human compassion.
Well Done Drama👍
KFstudios20091 October 2023
Forgotten Love, is a movie about a man that lose his mind, by an attack, and everyone thinks he is dead. When we see him fifteen years later, no-one knows who he really is. He doesn't know either, but becomes a very good helping person in a little, polish village. Forgotten love was from my point of view very good. It was so emotional, and just so well done drama, as well as the actors, and that they showed that you have to help others, and what the differences between the poor and the rich were. It was very funny, I laughed multiple times across the movie. The scenography and the pictures were very well done, and very well filmed, the director of Photography did a good job with that. The old-stylish buildings and the green beautiful nature was a nice look for the eye. As well as the acting, Leszek Lichota was just amazing, he played so real and with such feeling and emotion, the mans dramatic journey was just so well presented, and it was so well leaded by Leszek. The dialogues and the script were well written by Marcin Baczynski and Mariusz Kuczewski, and absolutely amazingly directed by Michal Gazda. I can't really argue on anything, started slowly, but later on it was building up more and more. The characters were well introduced. The man that lose his mind, was called Antoni in the movie. He forgot everything and as I mentioned, Leszek did a so good job at acting if something like that really happened to him. The love couple that struggled many times, Leszek and Marysia, was showed nostalgic and their characters was showed simply, but they definitely showed one important thing, that they loved each other very much. Leszek had a strict and non acceptable mother, who didn't like Marysia. And that women, her hate to her looked real, and her strict rules and angry face did her job extra good. So to conclude everything, Forgotten love was a well done drama. A very good polish movie, that I can recommend for everyone, except younger children, because of some violence and bloody images, that can be bad for a young eye. But beside that, I think everyone should watch it, very good, very funny and very emotional, I just have too watch the original one and compare this two, and then I will see which one will be the best.
Such a gem for a change.
scottdeepthi4 October 2023
In this day of fast paced movies with no soul and pure emptiness and quick sensual gratifications, movies like this are a rare gem. It shows how directing and story telling to be done and what essence of human life to focus on.
It has soul.
Through the challenging circumstances characters dont settle for easy gratification but instead they choose to do the right and meaningful things. Which you dont find in most mainstream movies today.
We have a lot of dysfunctional empty productions lately on all streaming medias, leaving the viewer feel depressed and empty, its movies like this that still show the promise of depth and meaning, redemption.
Watch it, you deserve a connection like this.
It has soul.
Through the challenging circumstances characters dont settle for easy gratification but instead they choose to do the right and meaningful things. Which you dont find in most mainstream movies today.
We have a lot of dysfunctional empty productions lately on all streaming medias, leaving the viewer feel depressed and empty, its movies like this that still show the promise of depth and meaning, redemption.
Watch it, you deserve a connection like this.
Beautifully produced - will become a classic.
Mork_the_Borg12 October 2023
What a nice surprise of a movie! Kind of liked everything about this movie. The actors are great and don't come across like spoiled Hollywood brags. The backdrops are calming without too much overwhelming design, just simplicity of rural living. The music seems appropriately selected and the cinematography is beautifully done. Yeah, the end is predictable, but at the same time something the viewer is expecting from it, so can't fail this either. Anyways, a well deserved 10/10, and believe me when I say that I don't often give movies this rating. It's a story that needed to be told, and I'm so glad it's not done by Hollywood. Thumbs up!
inspired adaptation
Kirpianuscus2 October 2023
Znachor adaptation directed by Jerzy Hoffmann remains one of most touching films of my childhood.
So, the curiosity, some serious reserves, the certitude than Jerzy Binczycky has no pair but provocated by the courage of Michael Gazda, I saw it.
And it is far to be dissapointed experience. In fact, two virtues define it - the splendid portrait of Poland life between wars and the high loyalty to the novel.
Sure, the acting is basic virtue and the story grows up with inspired crafted dramatism. But the second virtue is the wise recreation of atmosphere, using old buildings and clothes, nice cinematography , fair use of nature.
The story is familiar and its dramatic reflexes, good use of humor drops, the dialogue are great good points. And, indeed, Leszek Lichota is fair option for Professor.
In short, just a beautiful gift.
So, the curiosity, some serious reserves, the certitude than Jerzy Binczycky has no pair but provocated by the courage of Michael Gazda, I saw it.
And it is far to be dissapointed experience. In fact, two virtues define it - the splendid portrait of Poland life between wars and the high loyalty to the novel.
Sure, the acting is basic virtue and the story grows up with inspired crafted dramatism. But the second virtue is the wise recreation of atmosphere, using old buildings and clothes, nice cinematography , fair use of nature.
The story is familiar and its dramatic reflexes, good use of humor drops, the dialogue are great good points. And, indeed, Leszek Lichota is fair option for Professor.
In short, just a beautiful gift.
Amnesia can't stop love.
chand-suhas2 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Respected surgeon Rafal Wilcruz is extremely famous for helping out the poor and even stands up for them infront of the medical council. As his fame increases, he focuses more on the work and his wife abandons him for another man, taking their daughter with her. This devastates Rafal and he even gets brutally attacked by muggers, leaving him with memory loss. 15 years later, he is living as a poor man with a borrowed name Antoni Kosiba and fate gets him to meet his daughter while his amnesia doesn't let him forget his skills as a doctor. Will the father - daughter unite, forms rest of the story.
Based on a novel, this definitely opts for the authentic linear narrative, running the emotions strong. The period is well recreated and the characters are really well adapted. The first act is effective enough to establish Rafal's credible character and his personal loss, yearning for his loved ones. His struggle with the memory loss and having to live with it for 15 years was really heart touching on screen. Add to that, his relationship with Zoska who becomes his love interest is infact another strong character to watch out for.
Then there is the subplot involving the young lovebirds, dealing with the class difference where the boy's rich family is against the relationship. Again, the girl not knowing Rafal / Antoni to be her real father and their clash over him illegally practicing medicine, for a nobody leaves a mark. The love story works too but the highlight remains the way Kosiba gets famous among the villagers and eventually earns the trust of Marysia, the daughter he is unaware of.
The final act is befitting to the story, taking place in the court house and the melodrama is elevated in right amount. The court house scene is fun but also, the emotional battle Rafal goes through while Zoska desperately tries to protect him, these moments actually made the film what it is. Final act is all heart and it simply felt perfect. I may have not seen the previous two adaptations of this novel, yet Love Forgotten is a proof for that story's longevity and with these strong characters, it definitely was a worthy watch, despite the 140 minutes runtime.
Based on a novel, this definitely opts for the authentic linear narrative, running the emotions strong. The period is well recreated and the characters are really well adapted. The first act is effective enough to establish Rafal's credible character and his personal loss, yearning for his loved ones. His struggle with the memory loss and having to live with it for 15 years was really heart touching on screen. Add to that, his relationship with Zoska who becomes his love interest is infact another strong character to watch out for.
Then there is the subplot involving the young lovebirds, dealing with the class difference where the boy's rich family is against the relationship. Again, the girl not knowing Rafal / Antoni to be her real father and their clash over him illegally practicing medicine, for a nobody leaves a mark. The love story works too but the highlight remains the way Kosiba gets famous among the villagers and eventually earns the trust of Marysia, the daughter he is unaware of.
The final act is befitting to the story, taking place in the court house and the melodrama is elevated in right amount. The court house scene is fun but also, the emotional battle Rafal goes through while Zoska desperately tries to protect him, these moments actually made the film what it is. Final act is all heart and it simply felt perfect. I may have not seen the previous two adaptations of this novel, yet Love Forgotten is a proof for that story's longevity and with these strong characters, it definitely was a worthy watch, despite the 140 minutes runtime.
A movie adapted from the Polish novel "The Quack" by Tadeusz Dolega Mostowicz
soneagu27 September 2023
I waited a long time for a movie (series) adapted from the book and I'm happy that it's finally here. As usual, very good Polish actors, excellent decors and a good adaptation, taking into account that it's just a movie. In my opinion, a series (a short one, 6 of 1 hour episodes would have been enough I think) would have been more appropriate to emphasize the fame and skills of the professor, his reputation and relation with his wife, and his increasingly warm relation to his daughter. However, the movie does a good job given the time limitation, so I recommend it, especially if you read the book.
Satisfying, handsome, unlikely....
brockfal29 October 2023
This Polish period drama is incredibly well crafted and impressive in so many ways, and in its own way it is a great piece of old fashioned screen storytelling, however, there are some glaring flaws. The storyline starts well; it's old Warsaw in the early 20c and I was soon absorbed by the tale of a successful surgeon who's life is turned upside down, losing his home memory and livelihood, and has to find his way back...I was hooked, however, increasingly the plot then becomes just a bit unlikely, and by turns by the end it's almost ridiculous. There are awkward overtones of Downton Abbey, and some clunky cheesy plot lines, however much of it works too, and ultimately it was enjoyable and a satisfying easy going experience. Don't be put off by those faults. If you can suspended disbelief in the obvious inconsistencies then you'll enjoy it for what it is - a perfect rainy afternoon movie.
A beautiful adaptation of the book. A must watch.
sroczynskimichal30 September 2023
International audiences should know where the negative opinions of some Polish film reviewers come from. Well, the book Znachor (The Quack), written in 1937 by Tadeusz Dolega-Mostowicz (initially as a screenplay), lived to see three screen adaptations. The first one, directed by Michal Waszynski, was also filmed in 1937, the second one, directed by Jerzy Hoffman, premiered in 1981, and this one, albeit a rather loose adaptation of the novel (especially when it comes to the character of Professor Dobraniecki, who is a disgusting character in the book) gained recognition from Polish audiences and acquired the status of an icon of Polish cinematography, and icons are not touched in Poland. At least that's what some people think, especially those who can't tear themselves away from what was, no matter what the quality of the new one is.
Meanwhile, the new adaptation (yes adaptation, not remake) of the novel "The Quack", which has the international title "Forgotten Love", is a brilliantly shot, charming film about love, goodness, loyalty to principles and a bit about Poland as it was between the World Wars. Wonderful cinematography, great music interwoven with folk songs, set and costume design, and excellent acting (there really is no weak role in this film) make you travel back in time to the first half of the 20th century for 2 hours and 20 minutes feeling as if you are almost there, in the beautiful Polish countryside. You will love the characters and identify with them, and when the film is over you will want to watch it again. In the previous version, Hoffman made the rascal Dobraniecki into a knight on a white horse who rescues Professor Wilczur from his oppression; in this version, this miserable careerist and scoundrel remains himself to the end, just as in the book. Fans of Hoffman's film will not find the iconic courtroom scene in Forgotten Love, but this could not have happened if the authors had decided to be consistent with Dobraniecki's character. Instead, there is a new version of it, in my opinion more logical, beautiful and truly moving. And the ending? Also different, also consistent with the adaptation adopted and really beautiful. So, don't look at the frustrators and retrogrades, just watch this film and I assure you that not only will you not regret it, but you will experience more than 2 hours of emotion, laughter, reflection and a bit of history, all in beautiful landscapes and scenery that will not return. Highly recommended.
Meanwhile, the new adaptation (yes adaptation, not remake) of the novel "The Quack", which has the international title "Forgotten Love", is a brilliantly shot, charming film about love, goodness, loyalty to principles and a bit about Poland as it was between the World Wars. Wonderful cinematography, great music interwoven with folk songs, set and costume design, and excellent acting (there really is no weak role in this film) make you travel back in time to the first half of the 20th century for 2 hours and 20 minutes feeling as if you are almost there, in the beautiful Polish countryside. You will love the characters and identify with them, and when the film is over you will want to watch it again. In the previous version, Hoffman made the rascal Dobraniecki into a knight on a white horse who rescues Professor Wilczur from his oppression; in this version, this miserable careerist and scoundrel remains himself to the end, just as in the book. Fans of Hoffman's film will not find the iconic courtroom scene in Forgotten Love, but this could not have happened if the authors had decided to be consistent with Dobraniecki's character. Instead, there is a new version of it, in my opinion more logical, beautiful and truly moving. And the ending? Also different, also consistent with the adaptation adopted and really beautiful. So, don't look at the frustrators and retrogrades, just watch this film and I assure you that not only will you not regret it, but you will experience more than 2 hours of emotion, laughter, reflection and a bit of history, all in beautiful landscapes and scenery that will not return. Highly recommended.
A nominal and standard Netflix feature with a perfume of Poland
norbert-plan-618-71581310 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
A costume film set in early 20th-century Poland, where a renowned doctor suffers amnesia and finds himself a homeless man roaming the country, helping the little people - he knows what to do, but doesn't know why, and doesn't remember that he's a doctor. His past will gradually return through his daughter, and his former colleagues. The two screenwriters, Marcin Baczynski and Mariusz Kuczewski, have done a fine job with Tadeusz Dolega-Mostowicz's novel.
It's hard to criticize a film like this: the form is Netflix standard, but the film takes on substance through its characters and actors and a script that features elements of class struggle. For he treats the poor, the peasants. But he's prevented from practicing. The plot revolves around his daughter, who strikes up a relationship with a rich man.
The character of Anna Szymanczyk, the woman who welcomes the amnesiac doctor into her mill, is a strong woman who controls her destiny. Leszed Lichota, in the role of the doctor, is also memorable, even if he regularly lapses into unsubtle melodrama.
The film ends in court, as he is accused of practicing medicine without a license. We won't reveal the outcome. But all the dramatic arcs converge on the same point.
It's hard to criticize a film like this: the form is Netflix standard, but the film takes on substance through its characters and actors and a script that features elements of class struggle. For he treats the poor, the peasants. But he's prevented from practicing. The plot revolves around his daughter, who strikes up a relationship with a rich man.
The character of Anna Szymanczyk, the woman who welcomes the amnesiac doctor into her mill, is a strong woman who controls her destiny. Leszed Lichota, in the role of the doctor, is also memorable, even if he regularly lapses into unsubtle melodrama.
The film ends in court, as he is accused of practicing medicine without a license. We won't reveal the outcome. But all the dramatic arcs converge on the same point.
A Winner!
eandmshafer30 September 2023
I watched part of it last night and could not wait until tonight to finish it. It was warm and wonderful and such a soothing movie. All of the actors were great and the musical score was fabulous. The relationship between the have, and the have not, was not realistic in real life terms. I especially liked the character of the Doctor's newly found girlfriend. She as a fav character and emoted so much emotion and feeling. I was happy to see him "kiss" her. He took his time. He did not understand code for "just wanted to see if you need anything before you go to bed." It was a darling movie and wish we had more offering in that genre.
Great potential but movie lossing it from the middle to end play time
etawilfred5 October 2023
I think the movie will be perfect for romantic film lovers . Because the story is basically about love. I liked the film but from the middle it's becoming too unrealistic and having multiple love lines. Which is simply to much. The movie is kind a "too sweet sugar" .And it can be irritating.
I was expecting more interesting story something about prof pre life. Also some more connection with the timeline period like poorness, health care at that time and other it was in the movie but not really deep. Also something about why his wife made this choices and stuff like this . Also prof college part was just partially opened .
So I would say 6.5 if you searching for a movie and, must watch for people who are fans of romantic category.
I was expecting more interesting story something about prof pre life. Also some more connection with the timeline period like poorness, health care at that time and other it was in the movie but not really deep. Also something about why his wife made this choices and stuff like this . Also prof college part was just partially opened .
So I would say 6.5 if you searching for a movie and, must watch for people who are fans of romantic category.
Changed lifestyle
igor-1869 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The third film adaptation of the novel by Tadeusz Dolenga-Mostowicz.
1937 - first film adaptation 1982 - second film adaptation
It's surprising that this is considered a Polish film. Surprising because it is thoroughly imbued with modern American morality. This modern morality is superimposed on the history of a hundred years ago in Poland. They would have moved the action to the modern USA and there would be no problem, but no, they left the action in Poland in the early 1920s and until the end of the 1930s and changed the lifestyle of those people so that it would be politically correct for today's viewer.
In order. (1) was 1937/1982, (2) became 2023.
Surgeon (1) owner of his own clinic. Surgeon (2) is a hired doctor dependent on the board of directors of the clinic. Patients must have health insurance.
In version (1) furs are given as a gift, in version (2) furs are disposed of.
The surgeon (1) overcomes the grief of his wife's departure in a tavern and is robbed by bandits. Surgeon (2) is the victim of an assassination attempt organized by the Second Surgeon of the clinic.
Between episodes there were (1) 12 years, (2) 15 years.
Marysya (1) is very modest, about 19 years old, lives with her aunt, works in her shop, where many people buy tobacco, her ultimate dream is a successful marriage. Marysya (2) is very self-confident, she is 20-22 years old, works as a waitress in a tavern with alcohol where no one smokes, rents a room on her own, earns money for her studies. The tavern is run by a large family of Jews.
Smoking is no longer fashionable and the girl should be older, stronger and want to learn.
Melnik (1) Belarusian and his large family are baptized in the Orthodox way, respect Catholics, and at the everyday level do not like Jews.
A lonely miller's widow (2) lives with her father/brother, who is baptized as a Catholic.
Count (1) looks after Marysya beautifully and respectfully. Count (2) brazenly argues with his friend about the girl, and then takes her for a ride on a motorcycle and Marysya gets behind the wheel herself.
The Surgeon-Medicine (1) treats the legs of the Miller's son. The Surgeon-Medicine (2) treats the legs of a worker. Marysya breaks into the old count's house and demands that he pay for the worker's treatment from a certified doctor.
Count (2) brings delicacies to the patient. It seems that at the time (1) it was impossible to even think about such things.
The Miller (1) asks the Medicine Man to live at home with his family after curing his son. The miller's wife (2) seduces the Witch Doctor and marries him to herself.
Marysya (2) kisses the Count herself and gives herself to him.
Feminism to its fullest. In times (1) this is unthinkable!
And then more. The Witch Doctor (1) steals the tools and performs an operation on Marysa, and in the 2023 version, the Miller (2) steals the tools and convinces the Witch Doctor to perform an operation on Marysa.
The Countess (2) offers a bribe to Marysa. Here, too, is an attempt to figure it out like a woman.
Marysya (2) herself understands who her father is and announces this in court. The second surgeon (1) announces in court who the Witch Doctor is.
Finale (1): father and daughter at the cemetery lay flowers on the grave of their wife and mother.
Finale (2): two cheerful weddings in a Jewish tavern.
Movie blooper 1: a child with a traumatic brain injury is carried in their arms and tossed.
Movie blooper 2: chickens. They are the same ones that run through all the scenes of the film. On the street, at the policeman's, at the mill, in the tavern... Everywhere! The same set of chickens :)
One good thing about the 2023 version is the first scene connecting father and daughter. This didn't happen in the novel, and that's really important.
1937 - first film adaptation 1982 - second film adaptation
It's surprising that this is considered a Polish film. Surprising because it is thoroughly imbued with modern American morality. This modern morality is superimposed on the history of a hundred years ago in Poland. They would have moved the action to the modern USA and there would be no problem, but no, they left the action in Poland in the early 1920s and until the end of the 1930s and changed the lifestyle of those people so that it would be politically correct for today's viewer.
In order. (1) was 1937/1982, (2) became 2023.
Surgeon (1) owner of his own clinic. Surgeon (2) is a hired doctor dependent on the board of directors of the clinic. Patients must have health insurance.
In version (1) furs are given as a gift, in version (2) furs are disposed of.
The surgeon (1) overcomes the grief of his wife's departure in a tavern and is robbed by bandits. Surgeon (2) is the victim of an assassination attempt organized by the Second Surgeon of the clinic.
Between episodes there were (1) 12 years, (2) 15 years.
Marysya (1) is very modest, about 19 years old, lives with her aunt, works in her shop, where many people buy tobacco, her ultimate dream is a successful marriage. Marysya (2) is very self-confident, she is 20-22 years old, works as a waitress in a tavern with alcohol where no one smokes, rents a room on her own, earns money for her studies. The tavern is run by a large family of Jews.
Smoking is no longer fashionable and the girl should be older, stronger and want to learn.
Melnik (1) Belarusian and his large family are baptized in the Orthodox way, respect Catholics, and at the everyday level do not like Jews.
A lonely miller's widow (2) lives with her father/brother, who is baptized as a Catholic.
Count (1) looks after Marysya beautifully and respectfully. Count (2) brazenly argues with his friend about the girl, and then takes her for a ride on a motorcycle and Marysya gets behind the wheel herself.
The Surgeon-Medicine (1) treats the legs of the Miller's son. The Surgeon-Medicine (2) treats the legs of a worker. Marysya breaks into the old count's house and demands that he pay for the worker's treatment from a certified doctor.
Count (2) brings delicacies to the patient. It seems that at the time (1) it was impossible to even think about such things.
The Miller (1) asks the Medicine Man to live at home with his family after curing his son. The miller's wife (2) seduces the Witch Doctor and marries him to herself.
Marysya (2) kisses the Count herself and gives herself to him.
Feminism to its fullest. In times (1) this is unthinkable!
And then more. The Witch Doctor (1) steals the tools and performs an operation on Marysa, and in the 2023 version, the Miller (2) steals the tools and convinces the Witch Doctor to perform an operation on Marysa.
The Countess (2) offers a bribe to Marysa. Here, too, is an attempt to figure it out like a woman.
Marysya (2) herself understands who her father is and announces this in court. The second surgeon (1) announces in court who the Witch Doctor is.
Finale (1): father and daughter at the cemetery lay flowers on the grave of their wife and mother.
Finale (2): two cheerful weddings in a Jewish tavern.
Movie blooper 1: a child with a traumatic brain injury is carried in their arms and tossed.
Movie blooper 2: chickens. They are the same ones that run through all the scenes of the film. On the street, at the policeman's, at the mill, in the tavern... Everywhere! The same set of chickens :)
One good thing about the 2023 version is the first scene connecting father and daughter. This didn't happen in the novel, and that's really important.
Beautiful in every way!
aubreyzaugg29 September 2023
I took a chance on this movie and decided to watch it without seeing a trailer first, and I'm so glad I did. I loved every minute of it! The plot and story line gave me all the feels. One moment I wanted to cry, other moments I wanted to throw my remote at the screen, and in a couple scenes I wanted to get up and dance! Some characters melted my heart while others infuriated me. It was so beautifully balanced and entertaining.
In some ways it reminded me of Les Miserables, but with a completely different storyline.
From start to finish, I loved it. I'll definitely be looking for more movies like this one.
In some ways it reminded me of Les Miserables, but with a completely different storyline.
From start to finish, I loved it. I'll definitely be looking for more movies like this one.
An epic tale beautifully adapted by Netflix.
JohnDeSando15 October 2023
Forgotten Love is a pre-war Polish epic that belongs in the company of Les Misérables, Dr. Zhivago, and Gone with the Wind, to name a few of the grand stories that depict love, its loss, its renewal, and the effects it has over generations of families and countries. This Netflix third adaptation of a cherished classic novel, The Quack, brings freshness, period perfect costumes, and production design for a complete cinematic experience.
A renowned surgeon loses his memory after an attempted robbery in a dark street. Lost and confused, he roams the country for decades not knowing who he is or whatever happened to the little daughter his estranged wife stole from him. His love in this dynamic period piece is both for his lost daughter and his lost occupation, which once made him the top brain surgeon in the country but now catapults him from the upper class to the lower.
Director Michal Gazda quietly shows in a series of remarkably affecting scenes how this lost man saves lives without knowing why and comes closer to finding his daughter than he could ever realize. While his amnesia is persistent, the film shows how something as deeply felt as a gifted skill and its passion manifest even without realizing it. Lesek Lichota gently plays the heroic Doctor Wilczur with such finesse and understatement that none can deny his greatness.
After a few improbable incidents, including Polish magical realism, the doctor emerges. Along the way, the film emphasizes the class divide through the secondary romance of the doctor's daughter, Maria (Maria Kowalska) with Count Czynski (Mikolaj Grabowski).
A society that can deny peasants' medical needs and thwart the integration of love between those boundaries reveals a cruelty that only heroes like the doctor and his daughter can overcome. The film consistently emphasizes the class divide and its attendant injustices.
While Forgotten Love at times evokes tears in the delicacy of love forsaken, the film grounds itself in the reality of lost love and class warfare to the dramatic extent that reconciliations might not happen, so determined fate seems to be to deny happiness and, most of all, love.
Forgotten Love is one of the best international films of the year that satisfies our need for romance in art that leaves us happy to be human.
A renowned surgeon loses his memory after an attempted robbery in a dark street. Lost and confused, he roams the country for decades not knowing who he is or whatever happened to the little daughter his estranged wife stole from him. His love in this dynamic period piece is both for his lost daughter and his lost occupation, which once made him the top brain surgeon in the country but now catapults him from the upper class to the lower.
Director Michal Gazda quietly shows in a series of remarkably affecting scenes how this lost man saves lives without knowing why and comes closer to finding his daughter than he could ever realize. While his amnesia is persistent, the film shows how something as deeply felt as a gifted skill and its passion manifest even without realizing it. Lesek Lichota gently plays the heroic Doctor Wilczur with such finesse and understatement that none can deny his greatness.
After a few improbable incidents, including Polish magical realism, the doctor emerges. Along the way, the film emphasizes the class divide through the secondary romance of the doctor's daughter, Maria (Maria Kowalska) with Count Czynski (Mikolaj Grabowski).
A society that can deny peasants' medical needs and thwart the integration of love between those boundaries reveals a cruelty that only heroes like the doctor and his daughter can overcome. The film consistently emphasizes the class divide and its attendant injustices.
While Forgotten Love at times evokes tears in the delicacy of love forsaken, the film grounds itself in the reality of lost love and class warfare to the dramatic extent that reconciliations might not happen, so determined fate seems to be to deny happiness and, most of all, love.
Forgotten Love is one of the best international films of the year that satisfies our need for romance in art that leaves us happy to be human.
Worth seeing despite its flaws
richard-mcgeough16 March 2024
There's an engaging story here, some excellent cinematography, and some solid performances. Plus, it's all going on in early twentieth century Poland - what's not to like?
Unfortunately, all this promise is somewhat marred by an overdramatic score - cue one thousand violins! - that browbeats you into What You Should Be Feeling, even though you're feeling it just fine without the score. It's also rather marred by one key character who has no redeeming qualities whatsoever, whose only function is as a pantomime villain. Feel free to boo and hiss at the screen every time said character appears! Poor scripting in which characters regularly explain the plot to each other also jars: "Where are we going?" "To find a doctor!" Really? I believe I can work that out by myself, thanks very much.
Still, despite these flaws, and despite the film's descent into full-blown mawkishness in its final minutes, there's also much to engage with. Previously, most Polish films I've seen have focused on the Second World War, or on life in Poland as a Soviet client state. It was refreshing to see a Polish film set a century ago in a world that was shortly to disappear in the coming storm. No doubt there are many others, but it was a new experience for me. This alone was sufficient to keep me watching despite the occasional reflexive eye-roll.
Unfortunately, all this promise is somewhat marred by an overdramatic score - cue one thousand violins! - that browbeats you into What You Should Be Feeling, even though you're feeling it just fine without the score. It's also rather marred by one key character who has no redeeming qualities whatsoever, whose only function is as a pantomime villain. Feel free to boo and hiss at the screen every time said character appears! Poor scripting in which characters regularly explain the plot to each other also jars: "Where are we going?" "To find a doctor!" Really? I believe I can work that out by myself, thanks very much.
Still, despite these flaws, and despite the film's descent into full-blown mawkishness in its final minutes, there's also much to engage with. Previously, most Polish films I've seen have focused on the Second World War, or on life in Poland as a Soviet client state. It was refreshing to see a Polish film set a century ago in a world that was shortly to disappear in the coming storm. No doubt there are many others, but it was a new experience for me. This alone was sufficient to keep me watching despite the occasional reflexive eye-roll.
Finally a great movie!
nswegel9 October 2023
This movie was incredible. I didn't want it to end. There are so many movies out there but most of the newly made ones are awful. Forgotten Love was a great movie. I cried tears of happiness while watching this. Although one can predict the ending, the route to get there was unpredictable. Just another great thing about this movie.
In addition to such a great story, I loved seeing a movie based on Poles and Poland. It's so rare to see movies that involve Poland and so many of us are descendants of Polish immigrants.
So if you want to watch a great movie, watch Forgotten Love. This movie deserves an Academy Award!!
In addition to such a great story, I loved seeing a movie based on Poles and Poland. It's so rare to see movies that involve Poland and so many of us are descendants of Polish immigrants.
So if you want to watch a great movie, watch Forgotten Love. This movie deserves an Academy Award!!
A bit like painting. Beautifull painting.
irenakruszynska30 September 2023
This film needs to be seen as an adaptation of the novel Znachor (The Quack) written by Tadeusz Dolega-Mistowicz, not a remake of Hoffman's 1981 film. Here a slightly different story, closer in some aspects to the book, a beautiful film, a bit like a painting, cinematography, music, great acting by Leszek Lichota - the title Quack, Anna Szymanczyk -Zoska (mill owner), Maria Kowalska - Marysia (Professor Wilczur's daughter), Ignacy Liss - the Count and others. A wonderful and moving story about love, family, sacrifice for others, principles, good and evil. All this in the idyllic atmosphere of a Polish village in the inter-war period. I had the impression of being transported back in time to Poland before the Second World War, with its extraordinary social and cultural diversity. The music complemented by folk songs, the set design and costumes complete the whole. A must-see, you won't regret it.
You should definitely watch this movie you won't regret it
helenawende29 September 2023
This story is absolutely beautiful and touching. The actors are genuinely phenomenal and the music is amazing. I would highly recommend you watch it at least once I on the other hand already watched it two times since it came out on Netflix. All the characters were portrayed amazingly by all of the actors. You'll get to feel a lot of emotions throughout the movie, it's romantic, funny but also like I mentioned before quite touching I actually cried a little at the end of the movie. I'm absolutely sure it will be a great hit not only in Poland but also all around the world. Please watch it you won't be disappointed!
A Disappointing Departure from the Original - 4/10
gortat29 September 2023
As a devoted fan of the original novel and its previous cinematic adaptations, I had high hopes for the latest movie adaptation. While I did appreciate the film's attempt to capture the spirit of the era in which it is set and the commendable performances of the main character as well as portraying of Zoska, I was left thoroughly disappointed by the numerous changes made to the original story.
One of the most significant flaws in this adaptation was the unnecessary alterations to the order of events. In the original story, Kosiba's remarkable surgical skills were showcased when he cured Wasilij's legs, which built up to his daring attempt to operate on Marysia's head. However, this version inexplicably reverses this sequence, making the surgical intervention on Marysia's head seem far less impressive. This alteration completely ruined the tension buildup that was so integral to the original narrative.
Furthermore, I couldn't help but wonder why certain characters were changed or omitted altogether. The absence of the original Wasilij left me puzzled and yearning for the depth and complexity he brought to the story. Zoska, while excellently portrayed, is a completely new character that simply doesn't exist in the source material. This departure from the original characters left me feeling disconnected from the story I love.
One of the most frustrating changes was the decision to turn Dr. Dobraniecki into an absolute villain. In the original story, characters had shades of gray, and their motivations were complex and understandable even when they committed morally questionable acts. However, this adaptation reduces the characters to a simplistic "good vs. Bad" narrative, reminiscent of the formulaic plots seen in Hollywood superhero movies.
Moreover, the film lacks the depth and nuance that made the original story so compelling. It fails to explore the characters' motivations and struggles in a meaningful way, opting for a superficial approach that ultimately falls flat.
In conclusion, this movie falls short of capturing the essence and depth of the original novel and its previous adaptations. It sacrifices the intricate character development and moral ambiguity that made the story so captivating in favor of a more conventional and simplified narrative. For those who appreciate the source material, I recommend revisiting the 1982 version instead, which remains a more faithful and satisfying adaptation proving possible to represent such rich material in little over 2 hours. I give this latest adaptation a disappointing 4/10.
One of the most significant flaws in this adaptation was the unnecessary alterations to the order of events. In the original story, Kosiba's remarkable surgical skills were showcased when he cured Wasilij's legs, which built up to his daring attempt to operate on Marysia's head. However, this version inexplicably reverses this sequence, making the surgical intervention on Marysia's head seem far less impressive. This alteration completely ruined the tension buildup that was so integral to the original narrative.
Furthermore, I couldn't help but wonder why certain characters were changed or omitted altogether. The absence of the original Wasilij left me puzzled and yearning for the depth and complexity he brought to the story. Zoska, while excellently portrayed, is a completely new character that simply doesn't exist in the source material. This departure from the original characters left me feeling disconnected from the story I love.
One of the most frustrating changes was the decision to turn Dr. Dobraniecki into an absolute villain. In the original story, characters had shades of gray, and their motivations were complex and understandable even when they committed morally questionable acts. However, this adaptation reduces the characters to a simplistic "good vs. Bad" narrative, reminiscent of the formulaic plots seen in Hollywood superhero movies.
Moreover, the film lacks the depth and nuance that made the original story so compelling. It fails to explore the characters' motivations and struggles in a meaningful way, opting for a superficial approach that ultimately falls flat.
In conclusion, this movie falls short of capturing the essence and depth of the original novel and its previous adaptations. It sacrifices the intricate character development and moral ambiguity that made the story so captivating in favor of a more conventional and simplified narrative. For those who appreciate the source material, I recommend revisiting the 1982 version instead, which remains a more faithful and satisfying adaptation proving possible to represent such rich material in little over 2 hours. I give this latest adaptation a disappointing 4/10.
Brilliant
texmexmax5 October 2023
Took a chance on this, kept scrolling past and this afternoon i thought bugger it, may as well give it a go. I am thrilled to admit tgat i absolutely loved everything about it, every second. Brilliant from start to finish. All the actors did so well, i actually think this is based on a true story but if it isn't then it's great story telling. A really good feel good film to give you a lift and make you realise that their are good people in the world and that not everyone is greedy and selfish. Well done Poland. Makes me want to pack my bag and go find a beautiful polish women in a barn and live happily ever after. 10 out of 10. Left me feeling hopeful for the future, cheers.
OMG EXCELLENT MOVIE ALL AROUND
krystaldawn-0551914 October 2023
I can not say enough good about this one !!! It had my attention from the start all the way to the finish , if I missed anything like going to bathroom or a drink I would automatically rewind it back. This movie as another reviewer said it had soul . The mill owner she was one of my favorite characters her strength and love !! When she walked out to where he was the first time after she had a bath and her hair was down she was just beautiful and so cute he didn't get it at first but the next day he did apologize and when he grabbed her hand at the table I hung on every word and every touch and when they were on the motorcycle going to get married I felt what was coming , but after the accident and the young man's mother came and then told him that nmhis love had died I wanted to slap her so hard and shake her lol I felt all the emotions on this one EXCELLENT MOVIE !!!!
This movie gave me hope !!!
alexdlugosz-103743 October 2023
Best movie I have ever watched in my life. I would recommend it to anyone. This movie made me believe it what ever good hope there is on this world. Tires have been rolling around my eyes throughout the whole movie. This is a perfect remake of the old version of the movie. Incredible joy to watch. I know next time I watch this movie, our experience the same feeling. If this movie got an Oscar then I would believe in the movie industry because it is 10/10. No movie have ever touched my life as this one. This movie lifted me up like any movie before. God please bless this movie this a great gift to the movie industry and I hope people will watch this movie with the great redecoration on life as I have. If you read this I really believe this movie is worth watching.
1920s Poland
ldymlang2 October 2023
An exceptional adaptation and remake, this film introduces innovative horizontal recording techniques, delivering a truly cinematic experience with a generous budget that vividly portrays Poland after regaining its independence. While the movie merely scratches the surface of the fascinating Art Deco era between the world wars, it skillfully explores the dynamics of intelligence versus impoverished villages, the flourishing Jewish communities, and the themes of ambition, love, and family. All of this is masterfully presented through engaging dialogue, exceptional acting, and a highly talented camera crew, complemented by top-notch music production.
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