Pokot

I can’t say how much I was looking forward to this film. For me, Agnieszka Holland is the guarantee of quality, so I knew that Spoor would not be bad at all. I was also looking forward to Miroslav Krobot, who, according to the poster, seemed to have one of the lead roles. However, during watching the film, I quickly realized that it is not the case. The lead role here is played by the landscape of Kłodzko and Agnieszka Mandat. Although she is not bad at all, the film in which she plays is hard to define. Actually, Agnieszka Holland herself confirmed after the screening that this is a mix of several genres. And that description really fits this movie. A little bit of everything, but together it is nothing. It’s not a crime movie, because they’re not investigating anything. It’s not a horror movie either, because there’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s not completely psychological either, because you don’t really tap into the emotions of the characters except for the last fifteen minutes. So what is left is a lot of atmosphere, in this case it really overflows with it, and black humor, which is almost absent in the first half of the film and, in contrast, unusually common in the second half of the film. All in all, this is an interesting film, in which I enjoyed watching the shots of Kłodzko and wild animals, but it was difficult to focus on the story itself, as it flows somehow independently of its surroundings and in the last fifteen minutes it reveals itself with the time loops. By the way, allusions to the church are very good and, according to what Agnieszka said, very justified. The pastor was really sickening! (25/03/2017)

A forest esoteric version of John Wick which attempts to flourish organically, subversively erode the roots of civilization, but instead chaotically weaves using crooked legs. Hollande was only able to create, from an apparently inspiring masterpiece, an absurd deer goulash full of literality, bluntly used cinematic speech and grotesqueness, which is sometimes targeted, but infects almost the entire film, no matter what genre position it is in. Unconceptual rhythmization through a hunting calendar, Krobot's invasion, which evokes Tomáš Vorel's films, a histrionic main character where it doesn’t matter if he deliberately overplays his beliefs, because the story doesn't make much sense (which, despite all the didactics, should get an award for an artistic contribution, hello Berlin). A literal translation of the Polish title would be appropriate. This is a total dismissal of justice. (19/04/2017)

Together with In the Fade, the best experience from KVIFF. When someone mentions Poland, I think of gentlemen with whiskers and low-quality chocolate. Agniezska Holland quickly dispelled this personal myth of mine. Pokot is a film of absolutely enormous global scale, I dare say, more skillfully crafted than half of the American production in the world. Well, where should I start. Firstly, I must commend the splendid exteriors, the main actress, followed by the supporting actors, perfect camera work and editing, along with the captivating soundtracks. Pokot is a film that warmed my heart with its omnipresent honesty, effort, and diligence. Craftsmanship-wise, it is truly a top-notch affair, and as an animal lover, I found myself in this theme. Furthermore, the local black humor is flawless, and the funny role of Mr. Krobot was delightful. The conclusion and revelation may have been a bit rushed considering the long running time, but that did not spoil this unique cross-genre experience for me. KVIFF 2017 (28/07/2017)

A jerk of a hunter businessman, a jerk of a poacher, an ultra jerk of a priest, a jerk of a chairman, and lazy police jerks. A man here is essentially just a legislatively protected chauvinistic jerk until a few oddballs gradually appear to side with the fauna and the occasionally hysterical wild woman Janina. The way characters are developed and the style in which genres are glued into a cohesive whole lag behind the visual aspect and moral perspectives beyond crossing the Rubicon. It’s brushed over like the genocide of a crimson woodsman. By the way, why is the stoned entomologist from Olomouc singing "House of the Rising Sun?" (11/12/2023)