If there is anything that characterises the international blockbusters of recent year it is, without a doubt, the theme of the Holocaust and the Second World War. As a result, such films that are set in Poland.
Here is the list of the most important Hollywood films set in Poland:
The Pianist
In memory of the Polish-Jewish musician Władysław Szpilman, this film set in Poland tells the hard-hitting story through which the protagonist is forced to live during the Second World War and the consequent Holocaust. It was a candidate for seven Oscar awards and the winner in the categories of Best Director, Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Life is beautiful
From the point of view of a Jewish father devoted completely to the safety and happiness of his son, the plot sees the development of a father’s mental manipulations so his son feels like the 20th century Holocaust is no more than a game; a perfect plot paired with a perfect soundtrack. Set in Italy and the Polish concentration camps, it is considered the defining cinematographic work of the Nazi theme.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Another great adaptation of the John Boyne novel to the big screen that is set in Poland. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas tells the story of a boy, son of a Nazi officer, that moves to live close to the Auschwitz concentration camp, where, through the fence, he meets a Jewish boy of his own age, with whom he forms an incredible, though dangerous and forbidden, friendship. The videography of the film is worthy of admiration.
Schlinder’s List
Another great example of a screenplay with magnificent videography and films set in Poland. Schindler’s List is one of the jewels of Nazi-themed cinema, that tells the tells the story of the saviour of many hundreds of Jews, Oskar Schindler, in Polish concentration camps.
The Reader
From the fantastic interpretation by Kate Winslet, The Reader, one of the films set in Poland, tells the story of the Second World War from the point of view of a fifteen-year-old boy, who loses consciousness while returning from school. A serious and reserved woman twice his age finds him and brings him to her house. Between them, a passionate and secret love emerges, that is severed by her mysterious disappearance. Eight years later, Michael sees her again, but in a situation that nobody could have imagined.
The Diary of Anne Frank
The story of the most famous girl in history takes place in Amsterdam and leads to Auschwitz. The diary of Anne Frank is already a literary reference worldwide, and this film based in Poland tells the story of this young international heroine of the Second World War.
Cabaret
Wilkommen, bienvenue, bienvenidos! Cabaret is the musical of musicals and an incredible film based in Poland.. A song to liberty and debauchery in the middle of the gravest and most violent historical context in Europe. Germany and Poland are two of the settings of the film, with LizaMinelli as the leading protagonist.
Translated by Matt Thomas
