Better than Ida, but doesn't mean that much

Rating: 6/10 (12 December 2018)

"Zimna wojna" or "Cold War" is a new Polish movie by writer and director Pawel Pawlikowski and if you are a film buff or just into European movies, then maybe you will think immediately of the Oscar-winning ida from not too long ago and yes this was another work by Pawlikowski. And there are parallels between that one and his new release. First of all, both are not very long films and this one clocks in around the 90-minute mark. Also both play way back in time most of the time at least and both are black-and-white from start to finish. And both have received really good appreciation by critics and awards bodies now as well already. But for me, there is a key difference, namely that I did not like Ida that much, but I enjoyed this one here quite a bit. Well, not sure if "enjoyed" is the right term really given the subject, but I guess you can say it. The script is good, but it is really the two standout lead actors who carry the film, Kot and Kulig. I would say Kot was slightly superior, but it's a close call and if I say something like that it means quite some appreciation because Kulig is very stunning and that is another unexpected perspective because blondes usually don't do too much for me. Agata Kulesza, the star from Ida, is in this one again as well, but really just as a minor supporting character early on. Afterward, we get a love story that spans over decades, maybe a lifetime. It seems as if the two cannot be with each other, but also not without, but probably rather the latter because he seems absolutely crazy about her, calls her the love of his life and travels back to Poland for her knowing that he will end up in jail for a long time as a consequence. However, she finally realizes it too and shares his feelings apparently. There are one or two sex scenes, but nothing too graphic really that would chase very prude audiences away from seeing this film. And it would be their loss anyway in my opinion because they are clearly missing out on a quality film that way. I could write a whole novel on all kinds of other scenes easily, but I will do without that and it is up to you to interpret these yourself as you will probably see something entirely different in these compared to what I did, so yeah go for it yourself. I will say a few words on the ending though when they are finally united and she took the price of being with another man for years, giving him a child, just to get his real love free a bit more quickly. They are getting married, well not officially as they run the ceremony themselves as they basically have nobody else they love and trust as much as each other. Which is pretty sad, but also slightly intimate to be honest and ths positive again you could say. As for the very ending are they dying? I am not sure. It is open for interpretation again if they give in to the hopelessness of their love or not. Again, decide for yourself. If you want to see the fiilm, you should, however, not expect a film that is really a whole lot about politics or the Cold War mentioned in the title. It is much more of a well.. not romance movie, but love and loss relationship movie you could say. Maybe one that women will enjoy more than men frequently, but not exclusively. In the end, it is just a good film and I recommend checking it out. Thumbs up and I am curious if it can get Poland another nomination. I think another win would be unlikely and right now I don't see Pawlikowski joining Farhadi territory.