Degrees of Blindness
Degrees of Blindness

Movie spotlight

Degrees of Blindness

1988
Movie
19 min
English

Inspired by a poem by William Blake: a short experimental film about the perception of vision.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Agnieszka HollandGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

The film depicts the grim realities of life for Poles under Nazi occupation during World War II. A young woman, Eliza, is forced to navigate a treacherous world of suspicion and danger as she tries to protect herself and her family from the occupying forces and the constant threat of betrayal. Her journey is marked by moral compromises and acts of courage in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Critical Reception

Agnieszka Holland's "Degrees of Blindness" (original title: "Gorzkie żniwo") received critical acclaim for its stark and unflinching portrayal of the Polish resistance and the psychological toll of war. Reviewers praised its powerful performances and Holland's masterful direction in capturing the atmosphere of fear and desperation.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its raw emotional intensity and historical accuracy.

  • Commended for its strong female lead and depiction of resilience.

  • Noted for its bleak but ultimately powerful message about survival.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's harrowing depiction of wartime suffering and its impact on ordinary people. Many viewers found it to be a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience, appreciating its historical context and the strength of its characters.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Fun Fact

The film was originally titled "Gorzkie żniwo" (Bitter Harvest) in Polish and was based on the novel "Nocne kwiaty" by Stanisław Grochowiak.

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