Movie spotlight
To Dream and to Live
The script about loneliness, conformity and the impossibility of creative realization scared the editorial censorship at the studio, and then at Derzhkino. A lot of claims were made against him. The demands for amendments and endless additions and rewrites by the authors lasted for about a year. The original version of the title "Na pokhony!" ("To bow down!") was replaced by "To Dream and to Live". According to Pylyp Ilyenko, the director's eldest son, this name appeared "as a result of censor pressure." Censorship stopped the tape 40 times: at the stage of the literary script, director's, during film tests (the actors were not approved), filming, etc. The film catastrophically fell apart into fragments, into masterfully filmed, but unrelated scenes. The director called the finished version a "dead film".
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of friends embarks on a series of misadventures while trying to earn money for a trip to the Soviet Union. Their schemes often lead to humorous and chaotic situations, testing their friendships and resourcefulness. The film captures the spirit of youthful ambition and the absurdities of everyday life in socialist Poland.
Critical Reception
The film was generally well-received by audiences in Poland for its humor and relatable characters, though critical reception outside of Poland was more limited. It is considered a charming, albeit somewhat dated, comedy from the Polish People's Republic era.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its lighthearted humor and depiction of everyday life.
Appreciated for its nostalgic portrayal of a specific time and place.
Some found the plot meandering, but the comedic performances were often highlighted.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film's setting and themes reflect a specific period in Polish history, offering a glimpse into the social dynamics and aspirations of the time.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources