Simply Perfect

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

The movie is like a delicate puzzle. A jigsaw, the elements of which are being gradually attached one to another, bit by bit. The style of the director impresses me greatly: more than a decade ago I watched "Deja Vu" and that turned out to be an extremely enjoyable experience too. That director knows how to manipulate the viewer's feelings. At one moment you are all way down and frustrated (here I was in distress when I noticed that metal object left by the robbers – damn, I thought they "f***ed up") and at another you get big and absolutely unexpected surprises that come in hordes (the Negro, the Natasha, the big dog, the flat, the alibi, etc.).I'm wondering if the second movie is of the same quality – soon I shall hopefully find it out. The actors' performances are very natural: nobody is fighting in "matrix" style and nobody is showing off by shooting the whole supply of ammo into baddies. The four crooks, who are the main characters of this picture, are quite nice. The crime they are committing is understandable and can be justified by the standards of down-to-earth human conscience. Though I think that I watched this film attentively, I still cannot get at least one machination shown (the one with the fingerprints). It means I will have to re-watch this comedy again and I've got nothing against it, while the movie is a real treat.My vote is 10 out of 10 – let me proclaim that this is the best crime film I have seen so far. "Pulp Fiction" has no chance: it is like a teen music video if compared to this clever cinema. Thank you for attention.

October 1934. Poland. Famous bank robber Kwinto (Jan Machulski, popular actor and father of director Juliusz Machulski) decided to quit his dangerous criminal job, but after his friend's death, he changed his mind and organized a burglary of the famous and well protected bank which belonged to his former partner in crime, backstabbing and double-crossing Kramer (Leonard Peetraszak). Kwinto designs a deliciously clever plan not to only rob the Kramer's bank but to make it look like Kramer himself did it. Juliusz Machulski's directing debut reminds the celebrated Oscar winner "The Sting" with its retro-style, elegant brilliance, and wonderful use of music - and I am not sure which movie I like better, American or Polish.

I must say that I'm little dissatisfied reading these "plot summaries" where authors say "Kwinto has only revenge in his mind". That is misconception quite common. In fact the film director shows it clearly enough to learn that Kwinto has no revenge in mind. It is likely he will accept the money from Kramer if only Kramer haven't killed his best friend. This murder is the only reason why he decide to take revenge on Kramer and we can see it clearly.The film itself is a real masterpiece. One can feel as if it was really made in the thirties not fifty years later. Also the language used in the film would be found archaic today but it is how they were talking in the 30's. The plot is dynamic and interesting without any "blackholes of boredom" which are common in many polish films.

This is one of the very excellent movies that you don't get to see often. A twisted plot, good humor, excellent play and the unique atmosphere of the 30's capture you. There is not really much to add to it, except that Va-Bank II might be even better ! If you are able to see this film - see it. I am running out of words to tell you how wonderful the movie is. I have already mentioned that the actors' play is terrific, but you really have to see it to appreciate it. Every little detail was prepared for you to bring you into the 30's. Everything is good, even the music that the main character plays on his trumpet is excellent (I still remember it :) ) I just wonder - Polish people don't comment on IMDb or what ? This film is highly appreciate all round the ex-USSR, so if you somehow missed it - don't lose your chance.