Wino truskawkowe / Strawberry Wine, directed by Dariusz Jabłoński, running time: 109’, 2008
The film is a nostalgic ballad based on Andrzej Stasiuk’s “Galician Tales.” Dariusz Jabłoński, mainly known for producing films such as “Benek,” “Małżowina” or “Pokłosie,” took on the role of a director and -- to be honest -- he did well. “Strawberry Wine” is an interesting blend of several elements. Apart from Stasiuk's prose, there is magical realism typical of films made by Fellini or Kolski; there are comic motifs as if from Miloš Forman’s early work; an ancient tragedy drama; and, finally, there is a historical and documentary record of life on the Polish and Slovakian borderland. All these elements, however, match well into a well thought out and finished film work. The film features brilliant performances by popular Polish and Slovak actors, including Maciej Stuhr, Zuzana Fialowa, Marian Dziędziel and Robert Więckiewicz. The music composed by Michał Lorenc plays an important role in the film, too.