Search - Mother of Kings (Matka Krolow) on DVD

A memorable family epic that depicts the effects Communism h

Richard J. Brzostek | New England, USA | 08/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mother of Kings (Matka Krolow) is a story about a family and how the government changes after the war influenced their lives. The movie opens with creepy organ music playing and Lucja Krul besides her deceased husband who was killed in an accident. Shortly later, she gives birth to her fourth son. From there, we see the family in the years before and after World War II. The family goes though many trials and despite their efforts to do what is right, the results are not always fortunate.

The film is in black and white making it look older, as if it was from the time period it depicts. There is news footage mixed in periodically thorough the film and because it is in black in white, it does this without looking conspicuous. It is also quite possible that it lacks color in an effort to be artsy.

There are a number of movies that were banned by the Communists censors in Poland. Although some of them have obvious criticism toward Communism, others are more subtle and I have no idea why they were ever banned. Mother of Kings was made in 1982 but released in 1987 when censorship was more relaxed. It depicts people who try to be good and fit in with the new government but end up disappointed and shows the system as flawed.

Janusz Zaorski directs Mother of Kings. Comparing it to his other films that I have watched (Pilkarski Poker/Soccer Poker, Szczesliwego Nowego Jorku/Happy New York, and Haker), I would say they are all quite different and I would never have guessed they were by the same director. They all have their own unique style and feel. The only thing in common between them is they all include some of the best Polish actors. Mother of Kings has some of my favorite Polish actors such as Boguslaw Linda, Jerzy Stuhr and Franciszek Pieczka.

Mother of Kings is a memorable family epic that depicts the effects Communism had on the lives of the Krul (King) family. The story has a bit more depth than many movies so it is even enjoyable watching more than once. If you enjoy family dramas or artsy films, Mother of Kings is for you.
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