In the beginning, at the very beginning

Set during the early days of World War II in Poland, this film follows a group of young intellectuals grappling with moral dilemmas and the harsh realities of occupation. As they navigate the complexities of survival and resistance, they are forced to confront their ideals and the difficult choices that arise from their compromised circumstances.

Krzysztof Zanussi's debut feature was critically acclaimed for its intellectual depth and unflinching portrayal of moral ambiguity during wartime. It is recognized as a significant work in Polish cinema, exploring themes of existentialism and the human condition under extreme pressure.

• Praised for its philosophical exploration of morality in crisis.

• Commended for its stark and honest depiction of wartime Poland.

• Noted for its challenging and thought-provoking narrative.

Google audience: Audience reception is not widely available through Google reviews for this specific title, but it is generally regarded as a significant and serious work of Polish cinema.

Won awards at the Locarno International Film Festival and the International Film Festival in Mar del Plata.

Krzysztof Zanussi, a prominent figure in the Polish Film School, often explores philosophical and ethical questions in his work, a hallmark that is evident even in his earliest films like this one.