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Plot
In the somber year of 1942, Nazi-occupied Poland is the bleak canvas against which the coming-of-age story of Stach unfurls in the film, 'A Generation.' Stach, a resident of a shanty town on the outskirts of Warsaw, finds himself under the tutelage of a clandestine Communist leader, Comrade Sekula, when he lands an apprenticeship in a local workshop. This workshop, unbeknownst to Stach, serves as a pivotal nexus for the Polish Underground Army's resistance operations.
Stach's life takes a thrilling turn when he is introduced to the fiery Dorota, a prominent figure in the Organization of Youth Fighters. Under her guidance, Stach forms a small resistance group roping in his friends, Jacek and Mundek. Their initial acts of defiance, while spontaneous and deadly, lack a defined objective until Stach is enlightened about Marxian economics by a shop steward.
Stealing a hidden gun from the workshop, the group plunges into the dangerous world of resistance, navigating courage, discipline, and heart-wrenching tragedy. Their daring venture escalates when they are tasked with aiding the rebellious Jews in the Ghetto. The mission ends disastrously with Jacek's capture and subsequent suicide.
Stach, struggling with the loss of his friend, seeks solace in a passionate night with Dorota, only to lose her to the ruthless Nazi soldiers the following morning. Alone and heartbroken in a field outside the city, Stach is approached by new recruits of the movement, hinting at a future rife with the complexities of resistance and latent conflict between the Communists and the partisans.
'A Generation' weaves a poignant narrative of youthful defiance set against the backdrop of war-torn Poland, exploring the transformative effects of war, love, and loss. The movie shines a light on the clashing anti-Nazi forces, both fighting for the same cause but on a collision course of ideologies.
Where to watch A Generation?
A Generation is a drama movie featuring Tadeusz Łomnicki and directed by Andrzej Wajda.
A Generation is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.