Kanal (1957)

Set in the turbulent September of 1944, amid the crumbling ruins of Warsaw, 'Kanal' paints a heartrending portrait of human spirit and desperation. The city has been gasping under the oppressive Nazi regime for 56 harrowing days, the air thick with the stench of battle and the lingering echoes of heartfelt goodbyes. Lieutenant Zadra, a commanding figure of resilience, stands with his band of 43 brave souls, their spirit undiminished despite the looming shadow of defeat. In this symbolic rendition of hell on earth, Zadra's platoon, the Third Resistance, is cornered, their numbers dwindling with each passing moment. The day is filled with poignant farewells to families, stolen moments of love, and the haunting melody of music, a bittersweet reminder of a world they may never see again. As the German offense intensifies, an order arrives - a retreat through the labyrinthine sewer system, the 'kanal'. Reluctance tugs at their hearts, the retreat signaling an admission of defeat. Yet, understanding the futility of their position, they obey, trudging into the dank, oppressive darkness of the sewers, a final testament to their valor. But the subterranean maze offers no respite from their torments. Instead, it morphs into a new battleground, a claustrophobic nightmare where hope and despair dance a macabre duet. The initial hope of escape gradually fades, replaced by a chilling realization - their desperate flight from the battlefield has only led them deeper into the jaws of death and suffering. The film 'Kanal', thus, is a haunting exploration of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding human spirit amidst the cruel theatre of war.

Kanal is a drama movie featuring Teresa Iżewska.

Kanal is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.