

Rece do góry (1967 - 1981)
Directed by
Jerzy Skolimowski
Also Known As:
Hands Up!
Runtime: 90 min
Country: Poland
Language: Polish
Subs: Unknown
Color: Color / Black and White
Sound Mix: Dolby
imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062181/
Review: http://www.alanbates.com/abarchive/film/rece.html
Censored by the Polish authorities, this film was reedited and new footage added. It begins with a sci-fi motif: abstract images and electronic music take the viewer from ruins of Lebanon to the set of Voelker Schloendorf "The Forgery" where Skolimowski plays a lead role. Another shift takes us to London, where Skolimowski shoots a street scene. There are also shifts into the past with the old footage, featuring a score of Polish actors in a setting resembling Kantor's experimental theatre.
Polish filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski directed Hands Up in 1967; he also wrote it, handled the art direction, and played a leading role. Skolimowski portrays Andrzej Leszcyzc, one of several doctors attending a medical school reunion in a sealed-up railway carriage. Between drinks, the disenchanted medicos ruminate over the effect that communism (particularly the Stalinist brand) has had on their profession. Never mind that Russia had just gone through an extensive de-Stalinization program; the Polish authorities found Skolimowski's message offensive, and banned Hands Up outright, compelling the director to seek out creative freedom in other countries. The film was not released until 1981-just in time for martial law to once more rear its ugly head in Poland. — Hal Erickson
A group of reunited friends face up to the contrast between their old idealism and current attitudes, shaped by social and political pressures. The authorities took offense at a picture of a four-eyed Stalin and the film was banned for 13 years.
"The enigmatic Pole has a history of making films accomplished enough to win major prizes but too obscure for mainstream success – in other words, spotless cult credentials."
The Guardian on Skolimowski
8O 8O 8O
(Dont miss this rare legendary polish film.
