Customer Reviews

Szamanka - with ENGLISH subtitles (Import)

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1 star:		(2)

 

 

Andrzej Zulawski's films have a very unique feel to them and can may be best described as intense. After much time away from making Polish films (working on French movies), he returns to it with Szamanka. I cannot say that he refined his technique or improved his style because it was incredible from the start. Szamanka does not waste any time and pulls you in from the beginning and holds you with suspense until the very end.

There are two main characters in Szamanka. Michal (Boguslaw Linda) is a doctorate student interested in shamans and is fortunate enough to be part of a find of a lifetime - they have unearthed a man preserved in a peat bog. He is convinced this man was a shaman and wants to write his doctorate on him. Michal's life becomes complicated when he meets a pretty woman nicknamed Wloszka (Iwona Petry), which means Italian; she isn't Italian but called such by her friends because she can make a good pizza. She has a strange effect on the men that see her - they are captivated by her looks and often make passes at her. The fact that she wears clothes that show off her gams probably is part of the reason why she gets attention.

They instantly trigger emotions in each other after just meeting. Even though both are involved in relationships their meeting sparks a passionate bond. Their interactions are almost on a higher level and they can almost read each other's minds. The only guy that can excite her sexually is Michal and he also has the power to calm her psychotic-like breaks. Michal sees her as having a special power and her energy awakens a higher force in him.

I felt like the movie was like running full speed up to the line between sanity and insanity and looking off the cliff of madness getting a good look at the views one can behold. Szamanka truly is a feast of the sense. It isn't just a visual experience but one that is matched with intense music perfectly. I especially like how the music grows in intensity and suddenly stops. A lot of the music has drums and there is something primal about it that matches flawlessly.

Iwona Petry's acting is incredible. Considering her complex and abnormal character, she convincingly makes us see this person as real, as unnerving as her character may make some viewers. Petry's acting is beyond intense and is truly exceptional.

Unquestionably, Boguslaw Linda ranks among the best Polish actors and has also had the distinction of working with most of the best directors in Polish cinema. Linda has earned fame with his work in numerous dramas and action films; he has even stared in a few movies on the artsy side and without a doubt his role in Szamanka may be perceived as risky but adds an extra facet to his curriculum vitae.

Zulawski's films have a little bit of an artistic feel to them. Szamanka is a story of infatuation and is very erotic (with over a dozen sex scenes). At times, I thought Szamanka felt like a science fiction movie (especially when they were working over the mummy when it was placed in the glass case) and even a horror (due to some very dark parts). Although not everyone appreciates Zulawski's work and this is certainly not a movie for everyone, I think Szamanka is a masterpiece and Zulawski is a genius.

Finally, we have the full UNCUT special edition of Zulawski's beloved film on DVD thanks to Mondo Vision, who have done their absolute best to ensure proper releases for a great deal of Zulawski's catalog. Now we are hoping for a long-awaited re-release for Possession as it's been out of print for some time and perhaps a re-packaging of Diabel or The Silver Globe as the Polart releases left much to be desired considering Zulawski's film are nothing less than brilliant works to be cherished by film lovers' across the world.

As is made clear on the disc, Mondo Vision refused a couple of prints of the film before settling on the master used here. Restored for dirt, debris and noise, the result is an improvement over previous DVD releases for which praise may only be qualified by the comparison with previous Mondo releases.

Szamanka's packaging resembles some of Criterion's early works with the sturdy cardboard box exterior. Even more impressive, we are bequeathed interviews with both screenplay writer and director. Although I can't comment on the deluxe editon, special is the operative word in the special edition.

Ironically, this is the only film that Zulawski has ever made in his native country where it generated much controversy due to the explicit sexuality. Unfortunately, the film had a limited theatrical release and sold about 400,000 tickets. In France, the film had a limited theatrical release and sold 11,150 tickets. Szamanka was also screened during the Venice Film Festival in 1996. Naturally, this wasn't the first time Zulawski was attacked or criticized for making unconvetional artwork so it's truly a blessing for us to see this film at all.

For Zulawski,Szamanka was to be a film "without masks". Returning to his native Poland, Andrzej Zulawski asked Manuela Gretkowska to write a screenplay for him to film in the now post communist 1990s. Given the use of a writer other than himself and another country, it is surprising how much Szamanka shares with Zulawski's earlier work and at times even recalls his celebrated film Possession. Although it's almost impossible or even perverse to admit, Iwona Petry's performance at times mirrors the Adjani's masterful turn in Possession.

Iwona Prety plays the "Italian" and I don't think we ever learn her name throughout the course of 112 mins. At least, I don't recall any mention of it. In fact, we learn very little the yuong woman's background other than the fact she supposedly makes the hottest pizzas and tends to be rather high strung. One can only gather from a few short scenes that our female comes from a dysfunctional family which could explain her sudden emotional outbursts or tendency to steal. Lastly, The Italian's strong addiction to sexual intercourse of any kind with virtually anyone making her a loose cannon and unstable rather than completely vulnerable as viewers might believe.

In the beginning of Szamanka, the Italian meets a young but very engaged anthropology professor Michal during her search for an apartment. She accepts the apartment offered which was previously occupied by his brother, a priest. The scene culminates with a rather intense but erotic sex scene. As anyone can guess, this is not the last time our characters' paths shall cross nor is this a one time fling.

Michal spends his afternoons giving lectures on the human body, studying mental illness, and even takes part in an excavation with his tudents where a well-preserved body of 3,000 year old shaman is found. Unable to initially pinpoint the shaman's death, Michal is determined to examine the body with his students which seems unnatural given that the shaman was only 25-30 years old when he expired.

With each montage, it becomes more and more evident that our Italian will not be satisfied with a mere tryst and is determined to have the young professor at all costs. Although Michal does take her seemingly uneding sexual needs for granted and makes light of the Italian's intensifying obsession, he cannot bring himself to stay away and even takes some comfort in the fact that she is literally taken by him and his sexual prowess.

Within days, Michal's life spirals completely out of control. We learn that his brother was a priest and an active homosexual although he couldn't straddle the two worlds and ends up commiting suicide. Unable to cope with the loss of his brother, Michal continues his obsessive love affair with the Italian and even proceeds to move in her apartment. In turn, he severs his relationship with the fiance.

Zulawski's film carefully examines how relationships are often elements of destruction and even well-meaning people get caught up in the aspects of love which jeopardize our health or relationships with others. Not only does he focus on the unhealthy or unnatural circumstances which are repurcussions but he shows how the forces of good and evil are almost always present in any given situation. Although a severed relationship is inevitable, Szamanka demands to explore the darkest recesses of hallucinations and delusion when we look to love as our final statement in defining who we are or what we really need.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful scenes in Szamanka is towards the end of the film where Michal comes in contact with the spirit of the shaman. During this illumination, we learn the cause of the shaman's death and perhaps this is a mere foreshadowing of what will happen to Michal if he doesn't let go of his current obsession. Although it's merely just a dream or altered illusion rather than a reality, there's a great deal of validity to be found in this montage.

Having said that, Zulawski doesn't seem to be content in just exploring the nature of obssesive relations but also manages to tackle the then current states of affairs in Poland which should have been another spark of controversy and large notch in his continuous belt of censorship although there is no mention of it anywhere to the best of my knowledge at this present time. In a few scenes, it becomes blatantly obvious that our director could see all too well the oppressive politics or shady doings in his native country which seem to fit in nicely in the grand scheme of things.

In conclusion, Szamanka doesn't end on a happy note but it's certain that horror film enthusiasts everywhere or fans of great cinema in general are going to love this if they give it a try. I would perhaps suggest watching Zulawski's Possession first as primer before taking on Szamanka although both films are revolutionary works of a master's art in top form. Do not pass up your chance to see this film.

After months of delay by Amazon I finally got my copy of SZAMANKA's Limited Edition yesterday. It is so beautiful. I will never ever get rid of it regardless of any other editions that comes out in the future. There will never ever be another release like this one! This is the first proper release since the film's theatrical opening in 1996. Cult films getting such treatment is unheard of. I have not watched the film fully but checked my favorite scenes and compared them to my Russian DVD, let's just say the difference is night and day. I had one more copy on order before Amazon pulled the listing. When I emailed Mondo Vision they told me that DiabolikDVD had them in stock, so I ordered my second copy from them and it's already on it's way. Will report back to update this review once I watch the film from beginning to end. For now just showing my appreciation for Mondo Vision for once again going above and beyond for these films. If you appreciate their work then this is where you can show your support. Cheers :)

Amazon has been slow updating the contents and images! I just found the details of this Edition mentioned on Criterion Forum, posting it here for anyone who needs to know what they are ordering. You can also find some detailed packaging photos by going to Criterion Forum.

This is the first ever release of the film in Anamorphic and the first ever to include the Original Audio.

Like their previous releases Mondo Vision is releasing Szamanka (pronounced Shamanka!) in 2 separate editions.

------------------------

1 Disc Special Edition presented in Hardcover Digipak Packaging similar to Mondo Vision's previous releases.

* UNCUT Film (Approved By Zulawski)

* Audio Commentary By Daniel Bird (Apparently it was Zulawski's decision not to do the commentary, he talks about it in the video interview)

* Interview With Zulawski

* Interview With Screenwriter Manuela Gretkowska

* Restoration Feature

* Image Gallery

* 24pg Booklet

------------------------

2Disc Premium Edition (Limited to 2000 copies) presented in Silver Velvet packaging similar to Mondo Vision's L'amour Braque LE.

Disc 1: Includes everything from the Special Edition

+

Disc 2: OST (Digitally Remastered)

* 48pg Booklet

* 6 Lobby Cards

* Numbered Certificate Of Authenticity

I waited for a proper release of this film for 14 years (I own every DVD, VHS & Bootleg) and this is more than I could ever ask for! Without a doubt the most essential "Cult" release of 2010.

The MondoVision release of Polish director Andrzej Zulawski's film 'Szamanka' is a great product - the packaging, film transfer quality & 'extras' are all first class. The film itself is very complex and enigmatic and can stand several viewings to appreciate and start to understand it. I got a lot out of the 'extras' included in the package that featured interviews with both the director and the screenplay writer as to what they were trying to get across via the film, as well as some written third party analysis. Still, even armed with behind the scenes knowledge, the actual viewing experience is pretty wild. The principle themes appear to address issues of religion (particularly Catholicism), life in post communist eastern Europe, obsessive relationships and SEX. I've only seen two of Zulawski's films - the other being 'La Femme Publique' - but based on these I'd have to say that he seems to draw rather manic performances from his female leads. The female 'star' of Szamanka, Iwona Petry, (who Zulawski apparently cast in a situation reminiscent of Carl Denham and Anne Darrow in 'King Kong') has a frenetic energy that is somewhat disquieting & disengenuous on first vivewing (like, what is with this chick!?)... and there is not much of an attempt made in the movie to explain her way of being. She does kind of 'grow on you' though with subsequent viewings. While grittilly realistic on some levels the film is also quite surreal and hallucinatory on others. It is one of the marks of good film-making that everything doesn't just wrap up in a nice tidy package and 'Szamanka' certainly leaves the viewer with much to contemplate in its' aftermath. The film has a highly charged erotic atmosphere and there are many scenes where the beautiful Ms Petry is naked and having vigorous simulated sex. The movie was apparently very controversial in its' day, and one can see why - it is unabashed and transgressive in its' approach to sensitive subject matter. All in all a brilliant piece of film-making that makes me want to check out more of Zulawski's work.

Andrzej Zulawski's films have a very unique feel to them and can may be best described as intense. After much time away from making Polish films (working on French movies), he returns to it with Szamanka. I cannot say that he refined his technique or improved his style because it was incredible from the start. Szamanka does not waste any time and pulls you in from the beginning and holds you with suspense until the very end.

There are two main characters in Szamanka. Michal (Boguslaw Linda) is a doctorate student interested in shamans and is fortunate enough to be part of a find of a lifetime - they have unearthed a man preserved in a peat bog. He is convinced this man was a shaman and wants to write his doctorate on him. Michal's life becomes complicated when he meets a pretty woman nicknamed Wloszka (Iwona Petry), which means Italian; she isn't Italian but called such by her friends because she can make a good pizza. She has a strange effect on the men that see her - they are captivated by her looks and often make passes at her. The fact that she wears clothes that show off her gams probably is part of the reason why she gets attention.

They instantly trigger emotions in each other after just meeting. Even though both are involved in relationships their meeting sparks a passionate bond. Their interactions are almost on a higher level and they can almost read each other's minds. The only guy that can excite her sexually is Michal and he also has the power to calm her psychotic-like breaks. Michal sees her as having a special power and her energy awakens a higher force in him.

I felt like the movie was like running full speed up to the line between sanity and insanity and looking off the cliff of madness getting a good look at the views one can behold. Szamanka truly is a feast of the sense. It isn't just a visual experience but one that is matched with intense music perfectly. I especially like how the music grows in intensity and suddenly stops. A lot of the music has drums and there is something primal about it that matches flawlessly.

Iwona Petry's acting is incredible. Considering her complex and abnormal character, she convincingly makes us see this person as real, as unnerving as her character may make some viewers. Petry's acting is beyond intense and is truly exceptional.

Unquestionably, Boguslaw Linda ranks among the best Polish actors and has also had the distinction of working with most of the best directors in Polish cinema. Linda has earned fame with his work in numerous dramas and action films; he has even stared in a few movies on the artsy side and without a doubt his role in Szamanka may be perceived as risky but adds an extra facet to his curriculum vitae.

Zulawski's films have a little bit of an artistic feel to them. Szamanka is a story of infatuation and is very erotic (with over a dozen sex scenes). At times, I thought Szamanka felt like a science fiction movie (especially when they were working over the mummy when it was placed in the glass case) and even a horror (due to some very dark parts). Although not everyone appreciates Zulawski's work and this is certainly not a movie for everyone, I think Szamanka is a masterpiece and Zulawski is a genius.

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Director Andrzej Zulawski's adaptation of Manuela Gretkowska's controversial screenplay tells the story of an anthropology professor Michal's (Boguslaw Linda) who as the movie progresses develops two overwhelming obsessions. The first one is a mummified, 3,000 year-old, perfectly preserved body of a Shaman he and his colleagues have recently dragged out of a swamp, and the second - an enigmatic student (Iwona Petry) he meets by chance at Krakow Railway Station. In exactly a minute after they meet, they have passionate but joyless sex "The Last Tango in Paris" style. The girl whose name we'll never learn has been known as "The Italian" - she is not an Italian, she just used to work at the Italian Restaurant and make the best Pizza in town (or so she says). She emits some primitive, dangerous sexuality - she is unpredictable, swift and reckless. Very soon she and the professor are engaged in the affair that grows dark and explicit, and the movie enters "In The Realm of Senses" territory which prepares you for a very predictable and (if you ask me) ridiculous ending. Between plentiful (and boring) erotic scenes, Michal tries to solve the mystery of the Shaman (remember, it is his first obsession?) There is one absolutely comical scene with Michal and his colleagues chanting and dancing around an indifferent mummy. There are also some young men running the streets of Krakow, screaming and firing the guns (I believe that it is supposed to represent the director's comments and criticism of the Polish Politics - but he lost me there). By the end of the movie Michal realizes that he must run from "The Italian" because (as he correctly guessed) "she is death" but the sexually insatiable, mentally unstable, and violently disturbed girl has another plans for him...

I don't know what to think about this movie - is it an underrated breathtaking masterpiece of brutality, explicit sex, and passion that know no boundaries and no mercy or just a most pretentious, ridiculous, badly edited, and absolutely not original piece of cinematic garbage I've ever seen? The more I think of the fact that I had been smiling, laughing, and giggling through the entire movie (and I don't think that it was an expected reaction on this horror/occult/adult drama) the more it makes me lean to latter. Perhaps, if I'd never heard of or seen "The Last Tango in Paris", "In the Realm of Senses", "The Piano Teacher", I would've been in awe but I've seen them all and "Chamanka" did not tell me anything new about obsessive-possessive love-passion-hate that inevitably leads to self-destruction and death. Oh, no, wait, the creators of the movie threw in some nice and spicy elements as irrationalism, necrophilia, mysticism, and (wow!) cannibalism but I happened to have read Harris' "Hannibal" and the dinner served a-la Dr. Lector did not shock me; on the contrary I found it laughable. I know that Zhulavski had been in trouble with the authorities in Poland during the Communist era and the obvious assaults on conventional morality, Catholicism, and Polish censorship - can be clearly seen in his film but that did not make it more interesting for me, either.

Adapted from a controversial Polish novel, it is the story of a 30 year-old anthropology professor (played by Boguslaw Linda, arguably the most charismatic Polish actor since Zbigniew Cybulski) with two obsessions: one is a beautiful young Italian student (Iwona Petri) he meets by chance at Cracow Railway Station; the other, more disturbingly, the 3,000 year-old, perfectly preserved body of a Shaman he and his colleagues have recently dragged out of a swamp.

A French/Polish co-production, Chamanka underlines Zulawski's desitre in pushing back aesthetic boundaries. He has always been a maverick. Like his mentor, Andrzej Wajda, he was frequently in trouble with the authorities in Poland during the Communist era. Two of his films, The Silver Globe and The Devil, were banned. Much of his subsequent work has been done in France, but has often proved equally contentious.

Zulawski was eager to make a film which touched on themes beyond the boundaries of contemporary cinema, namely irrationalism, necrophilia and mysticism. Linda's character starts the film like a typical modern European. He's the bourgeois everyman; an academic, skeptical about life and out of touch with his spiritual side. But his research into shaman and his erotically charged affair with the Italian woman shake him out of his certainties.

Music Score by acclaimed composer Andrzej korzynski will leave you breathless.

DVD: (This Russian import is the only version of Szamanka currently available with English subtitles!)

Picture Quality: 2/5 Widescreen but NOT ANAMORPHIC

Audio Quality: 2/5 (The Original Language for this film is Polish! Provided on the DVD are French & Russian Dubs, NO Polish Audio! This really hurts the film if you haven't seen the original version!)

Subtitles: Poor English subtitles!

Extras: 0/5 -- Nothing, not even a trailer!

Overall: 2.5/5

Hopefully a better edition with Zulawski commentary will be available.

As a movie its not really bad and done professionally. However its not what i am looking for when i am wasting my time. There are at least four main ideas at the same time and all of them depressing.

The first is Polish country itself which filled with mafia, poor people, suicides, dilapidated building; the second main character obsession with his finding of old, supposedly 2500 years old corpse which he declare a shaman; the third the director manage to connect unprovable events in that shaman's life to his characters lives; the fourth is female character itself which has mental problems but somehow nobody pays attention anyway as supposedly men attracted to her and are trying to have sex because of her animal magnetism. And sexual part is most depressing where the director stick to self-sensoring or maybe he dont understand anything in sex anyway and i dont want even mention the movie's end and, in short, its all in the past.

Yes, if you looking for something more appropriate for 21 century try "Enter the void"