During the 1950s, what would become known as the Cold War was in its early stages and it affected many people from various countries that were once just neighbors. This is a story that, despite being from two entirely different walks of life, brings them together in only a way that true love could. Wiktor (Tomasz Kot) is in search of pieces to his musical puzzle when he happens upon a younger woman by the name of Zula (Joanna Kulig). From the first words she sings Wiktor is captivated and curiosity gets the best of him. He gives her an opportunity to become a performer, but in actuality, he’s doing this for himself. The connection grows between the two over the years leading to an impossible love affair during an intolerable time.
Polish actress Joanna Kulig, with a background in music, gets an opportunity strut her natural gifts and doesn’t squander the opportunity. She sings and acts her way to the hearts of viewers while also showing a vulnerable side that makes her that much more likable. Fellow Polish actor Tomasz Kot also provides a performance that is eyebrow-raising as the “older mentor” who becomes enamored with this young beauty and cannot help but fall for her. The pair have great chemistry and play well off of one another. Kulig’s voice just helps cement the choice that made to pair these two together.
Filmed in a 4:3 aspect ratio, the focus is really just on the main actors and the surroundings. This is a good thing in that focus isn’t lost on what ever else might be going on in the background. Instead, you are bounded to the story between these two. Cold War has the feel of a Romeo & Juliet type story with all the fixings of becoming an art house classic. Even though it’s filmed in black and white, everything still pops out in front of viewers. The story truly does have a vibe to it that is from the 1950s, and that is refreshing.
Cold War is short and that’s refreshing. At only 88 minutes, this romantic drama can ill afford to waste precious moments. The majority of time in this film is spent fleshing out its main characters, Zula and Wiktor. Once that has been established, the story of the rise, fall and enviable outcome takes shape and is presented in a semi brisk fashion. This is a positive thing because it doesn’t give viewers time enough to become desensitized to the story that director Pawel Pawlikowski so desperately wishes to portray. This, by definition, is a tragic love story filled with short bursts of happiness only to be blanketed with the reality of the situation. If you are okay with subtitles, or happen to understand the languages spoken in this film, Cold War could be worth your time. See it now in theaters.
