The Birch Wood
- Daniel Olbrychski: Bolesław
- Olgierd Łukaszewicz: Stanisław
- Emilia Krakowska: Malina
- Danuta Wodyńska Katarzyna
- Elżbieta Żołek: Ola
- Marek Perepeczko: Michał
The birch wood is a Polish film by Andrzej Wajda in 1970. The film is based on a story by Iwaszkiewicz.
Action
The film is set in the 1920s. Far away from civilization, living in complete seclusion of the forest workers Boleslaw and his daughter Ola. After the death of his wife Bolesław lives in complete isolation. He lives only for his daughter Ola and has only the support of the assistant Malina. Only these two persons ensure that Bolesław does not devolve into madness. One day receive the visit of three Bolesław brother Stanisław. Stanisław returns after a long spa stay from Davos back to his old home. He suffers from an incurable tuberculosis. Facing death, however, Stanisław exudes joie de vivre that Bolesław in his grief repels first. Stanisław enjoys the nature of his homeland and breathes this nature from the heart. He enjoys life as if every day is the last day of his life. And this he also shows blatantly. Bolesław feels disturbed in his grief. The excessive vitality of the doomed brother he met with ever greater dislike and not notice it as much pulls him this sudden rivalry with his brother from his own lethargy. As Stanisław but then dies and Malina marries her lover Michał to Bolesław decides to leave the solitude of the birch grove and start a new life.
Reviews
" A terminally ill young man returns from a sanitarium back home to his brother. Andrzej Wajda's film adaptation draws the different characters of the two with their respective problems. A masterly psychological study, poetic and full of atmosphere, convincing even in the inclusion of nature. "
Awards
At the International Film Festival Moscow 1970 Andrzej Wajda received for directing and Daniel Olbrychski for his portrayal prices.