A Little Girl from the Hotel 'Excelsior'
A Little Girl from the Hotel 'Excelsior'

Movie spotlight

A Little Girl from the Hotel 'Excelsior'

1988
Movie
91 min
Polish

Jan, an accountant at pre-retirement age, is on holiday at the Baltic Sea with his wife. He doesn’t enjoy her company. He doesn’t enjoy other people’s company either. The resort’s atmosphere makes him sick. One day he meets a mysterious girl on the beach. She becomes his spiritual guide.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Andrzej WajdaGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

Set during the tumultuous final days of the Polish People's Republic, the film centers on a young woman who attempts to emigrate to the West, seeking a better life. Her journey is fraught with personal struggles and the oppressive atmosphere of a collapsing communist regime. She navigates complex relationships and societal challenges as she grapples with her desires for freedom and opportunity.

Critical Reception

Andrzej Wajda's 'A Little Girl from the Hotel Excelsior' was met with a generally positive reception, appreciated for its sensitive portrayal of a difficult historical period and a compelling lead performance. Critics noted its nuanced depiction of personal aspirations clashing with political realities in late communist Poland.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its poignant exploration of Polish societal changes.

  • Krystyna Janda delivers a powerful and memorable performance.

  • The film effectively captures the atmosphere of uncertainty and hope.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not widely available for this specific film, but it is generally regarded as a significant work within Polish cinema.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film was shot during a period of significant political change in Poland, adding a layer of authentic tension to its narrative.

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