WEEKEND

Set in the Polish industrial city of Lódź, the film narrates the tale of two ruthless gangsters’ search for two briefcases; one full of money and the other full of drugs. Max and Gula’s task proves to be more hazardous than it sounds however, since the briefcases are also sought-after by the Russian mafia, a chaotic group of Roma, the boss of a rival gang and, last but not least, a mysterious and alluring killer. To make matters worse the police are also after the briefcases, above all a corrupt superintendent. All of them are hoping to make a killing.

The director, one of the most well-known actors in Poland, making his directional debut, managed to shoot a humourous action film complete with blood, brutal brawls, dangerous shoot-outs and fast-paced car chases, all underpinned by an infectious soundtrack. The work represents a genre-mix of sensation, crime thriller and romantic comedy, inspired by American action films such as those of Quentin Tarantino. At the same time Pazura, with a large dose of irony, adapts roles he himself earlier played, such as in PSY (1992, Cottbus 1993) or KILER (1997, Cottbus 1998).

The director was able to secure the services of some of Poland’s finest actors and actresses for this big-budget production. With over 720,000 viewers the film represents this year’s most successful Polish film. An entertaining storyline full of suspense, pretty women, alluring mafiosi, foul-mouthed dialogues, fast cars and, most notably, highly impressive special effects.