Customer Reviews

Janosik: The Highland Robber

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Folklore has it that the bandit Janosik robbed from the rich and gave to the poor on the Slovakian and Polish side of the Tatra Mountains. "Janosik" is a classic 1970s Polish television program, set in the 18th century. The 13-episode series is filled with action, adventure, and romance. There is an array of colorful costumes, fancy hats, and sword fights. Moreover, there is also an element of humor.

Janosik transforms from an innocent sheepherder to chieftain of the bandits, seeking truth and justice. At this time in history, this area of Poland was controlled by the Austrians. The local Count abuses the villagers to his advantage and the Austrian army conscripts many of the young men. The villagers see Janosik as their savior, as he comes to their rescue from time to time. Janosik coming to the aide of the people only enrages the Count and the Austrian army. Ultimately, the vengeful Austrian army and the Count will put all their attention on the capture of Janosik.

In the process of coming to the rescue of the poor villagers, saving his friends from hanging, and kidnapping the Duke's niece with the intention of ransoming her, he falls in love with the beautiful, strong, young village woman Maryna. The romance between Janosik and Maryna builds with time.

The episodes build off each other, and running jokes among the characters emerge. One such joke is the Count's assistant always scheming plans to foil Janosik; yet, they never do and it frustrates the Count. Furthermore, the two brother-in-laws in Janosik's band always argue over the ownership of some land they both claim to own.

"Janosik" is a well liked and highly watched program in Poland, despite its age. It is worth watching this classic Polish television series of the historical exploits of a folk hero.

This is one strange series. At least to this Western viewer it is. The old TV Batman was brought to mind many times, not just because of the no-one-ever-getting-hurt violence and bad guys standing in line to attack the heroes, but also by the acting skills of Adam and Burt. There is lots to not like here. What, you ask? OK, let me list (some of) the flaws. Dreary music that is so 70s, but with one theme used over and over with very little variation. A hunky guy hero who's not much of an actor, though he can stare thoughtfully into the distance, but has some amazing pecs, and shows them and the manly hair covering them often. Lame and silly humor, not funny, that eventually rises to become annoying. Soft focus photography of the hero and his best gal tediously running, swimming, embracing and kissing. A frightfully predictable romance, complete with a mother eager for grandchildren. Sets that look as if they're made of Styrofoam. A confusing space/time relationship--is their hideout far from the village, or near? And the unavoidable requirement of all such Robin Hood stories, a buffoon landowner and his greedy, selfish and incompetent margrave who're about as believable as Snidely Whiplash. Yep, just about every bad series cliche rolled into way too many episodes.

I watched it to be done with it, but enjoyed only moments of some of the episodes until the last two, which were surprisingly good. Still the cartoon violence, still the all-too-easy solutions, but some content, some conflict, something worth watching. And then the ending. Yikes! Where did that come from?

So, not very good, with a terrible transfer. But not a total loss. 2.5 stars on the 1-5 scale.