Product Details

• Actors: Roman Polanski, Janusz Gajos, Andrzej Seweryn, Katarzyna Figura, Daniel Olbrychski
• Directors: Andrzej Wajda
• Writers: Andrzej Wajda, Aleksander Fredro
• Producers: Janusz Morgenstern, Katarzyna Fukacz-Cebula, Michal Kwiecinski
• Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: Polish
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Vanguard Cinema
• DVD Release Date: September 30, 2003
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000A02X9
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,436 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Zemsta" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

ZEMSTA - DVD Movie

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Polish comedy set in the 17th century, September 8, 2003

By 

Richard J. Brzostek (New England, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Zemsta (DVD)

Zemsta is one of Andrzej Wajda's newer films. Like his adaptation of so many of the classics in Polish literature, Zemsta is based on Alekesander Fredro's epic poem. The story, set in the 17th century, is about two quarreling families that live in the same castle divided by a brick wall. Every chance the two neighbors get they cause each other trouble. However, there is romance brewing within the castle walls, as the son of one man and the niece of the other like each other, despite their guardian's hatred of each.

The film is similar to a play, and the characters even occasionally talk to the audience. Much of the dialogue is in rhyme (in Polish anyway, not in the English subtitles). But it is more than a drama, it is also a comedy. After watching the film more than five times, I still laugh so much I start choking every time it gets to the part where Gajos and Olbrychski are scribing a letter. Interestingly, Roman Polanski plays a leading role in this film, and he even sings.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Farce By An Inspired Master, August 30, 2005

By 

Uncle Borges (Via Lungomare 6) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zemsta (DVD)

Even after fifty odd years of mostly first-class film making, Andrzej Wajda doesn't cede to surprise and enchant. Lately he has given a nice turn to classical Polish Lit of the 18. and 19. centuries...After a costumed period-piece based on the main Polish epic, "Pan Tadeusz" (Adam Mickewicz) -pan Wajda tackled this delightful 1834 farce written by Aleksander Fredro. Story per se is rather thin and of second import.. a property feud between two noblemen unlucky enough to share the same castle! Sounds boring?

Not one bit.

Watch for Roman Polanski in the role of Papkin - a bungling small-time Baron Munchausen -never knew that Polanski is still so much on top of his native tongue (and culture I dare say).

There was some, mostly Polish gripes against the casting of the stunnigly beautiful Agata Buzek in the role of Klara. Perhaps the reason was a tad bit of envy. Agata's father was, betwixt 1997 an 2001, no less than the prime minister of Poland. Nontheless she makes a fine impression.

The only big-time complaint against this DVD is the lack of any translator's effort. It must have been challenging enough to memorize and act out the entire film in the 19. century Polish rhymed verse. So, the film, the cast, the director and Polish culture itself, have deserved a finer, more creative if not accurate translation. This way a casual viewer froma foreign country, just by following the subtitles, misses the point as the considerably witty and humorous dialogue gets totally voided.

*

The thing that delighted in "Zemsta", was also the sense that

all the playful thespians, including Polanski, , had had a terrific rapport and had greatly enjoyed helping Wayda make this sexy romp of a flick.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Superb Movie, August 31, 2005

By 

Pranay Manocha "da spyder" (London, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Zemsta (DVD)

I have no knowledge of Polish and had never seen the play this movie is based on. Yet, this movie is one of those stunning theatrical pieces that only foreign movies can be.

Very good direction, the movie is flawless in its flow, scenes move easily, the storyline is good and the humour, even though I dont know Polish, was well understood! Well, at least I laughed!

The acting is very good, Polanski as Papkin plays his part very well. This movie is very recommended if you like the odd surprise of a foreign movie that provides excellent drama and a fresh look.