Pawel Pawlikowski returns to the black and white 4:3 aspect ratio that worked so well with 'Ida'. This is a stunning film. Joanna Kulig gives a brilliant performance as one half of a couple faced with decisions and adversity in post war communist Poland. Based loosely on the Director's own parents, it's a devastatingly captivating love story involving music, tragedy and politics. Spanning 15 years, the film uses music to evolve the story and the phenomenal set design / ambience of the film really captures the state of flux that Europe was in at the time. Lukasz Zal's cinematography will live long in the memory. I need a few days to digest this one but I can't see it being beaten on my best movies of 2018 list.

not gonna lie, I absolutely ugly cried a couple of times just watching Zula singing or dancing and I will never be ashamed of it

she's absolutely mesmerizing and although the whole movie is a masterpiece, Kulig is the one you will always be searching for on the screen. amazing.

There is just something about this movie. On one hand, it is slow, plodding and dark. On the other, there are moments of beauty, heart and an unfathomable passion. Basically, it is the intense love story of two people (reputedly the author's parents) that spans 15 years and transects Europe. From the very beginning the character Zusa emerges as the axis upon which Wiktor's world revolves. No matter where he goes to escape oppression he cannot escape Zula's hold over him. It is impossible to take your eyes off Joanna Kulig as she inhabits this character or to escape the spell she weaves. This is fine acting. The choice of a black and white palette suits the mood of the piece while the life of the music shattters those bounds. Not a movie for everyone but there was something about it that captured me. Nominated for multiple awards, including 3 Oscars in 2019, it has been well received by film critics and festivals. I give this film a 7 (good) out of 10. [Dramatic Love Story]

This is a good love story and knowing it is based off the director's parents makes it better. It has some great performances, good music and looks beautiful. The editing and use of black screens was fantastic.

A simple movie with gorgeous visuals.

It's not one which will have you on the edge of your seat throughout but the effort of 4:3 and black and white add some authenticity to it.

The fact that this is dedicated to Pawlikowski's parents, as some have mentioned, creates a new sense of magic around the film.

Like its predecessor, Ida (2013), this movie has stunning black and white cinematography

Yeah this was probably pretentious enough for the posh "I know everything about the art of film"-people to wet their pants. I found it insipidly dull and the only thing I'll remember more than an hour after I finished watching is that first song about someone knocking on a Dorr and laying his head on a stone cause no-one opens. OK photo though.

I'll be very honest.
I liked the idea of black and white. Brings melancholy. The movie is a melancholy than a romance.
And the last few minutes of the movie just reinforces it.

Zula, a Polish singer femme fatale in this black and white movie with folk music.

cinematography and direction, wow amazing..

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The original title of the film is Zimna Wojna.