Vabank (1981)

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Excellent but underrated film

A lot of fun.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Polish cinema is not famous for its "entertainment" movies. At least, outside Poland. It is "artistic" and "dramatic" movies by early Polanski, Wajda and Kieslowski that were noticed and awarded throughout the world. And yet, there were few comedies that could be world hits or, at least, the European ones. They were in Poland and in east-Eueropean countries, especially in the Soviet Union. These are famous three by Juliusz Machulski: "Vabank", "Vabank 2" and "Seksmisja". "Vabank" - Machulski's debut is a precise and funny little masterpiece. The plot is twisted in "The Sting" style and is executed witch charm and wit. Acting, dialogs, music is superb; it's one of those unique films when every little detail falls into a right place. If You have any chance to rent it or catch it on TV, don't miss it. You won't be disappointed and surely You'll be interested in the sequel which (quite rare thing) is equally good.

This film is not only one of the best ever made in Poland, this is the work that was and is extremely popular in my country, Russia. Elegant humor, brilliant script, impeccable play of all actors made this film a classic which it fairly remains to be now. It's hard to believe that it was filmed in 1982, in the middle of the political and social turmoil which besotted Poland that time, the country was on the brink of a civil war, but one will never even guess it while watching the movie. It's all thanks to the genius of Juliusz Machulski, the director, script writer and the brother of Jan Machulski who played the main hero, Kwinto. The film takes place in the 1930's, before the war and when Poland was still rich and booming. Kwinto is a famous bank robber, as well as a prominent jazz trumpeter (the soundtrack to the film is another winner; main theme is a sheer elegant Dixie tune). He comes back from the prison and learns that one of his friends is killed, that his wife had gone to another man, and that the greedy and mean bank director Gustav Kramer is in fact the very man who had helped Kwinto to go to jail and who had helped his friend to be killed. Thus, the revenge starts. Kwinto is helped by his old pal Dunczyk, extremely funny and smart crook, two slightly silly but workaholic bandits and a beautiful lady Natasza, played by then young and now very famous Elzbieta Zajacowna. The whole gang starts a devilishly clever plan and finally Kwinto achieves his main aim – money is returned to all victims of Kramer's black deeds, Kramer himself is in prison, and the happy gang is merrily celebrating the event. This is a pale and colorless description; you really have to see it to feel the brisk Polish humor, comic gags, and unbelievable twists of plot. Watch it; this is the brilliant classic of Soviet era Polish cinema – breezy, fresh and utterly smart

I must say that I'm little dissatisfied reading these "plot summaries" where authors say "Kwinto has only revenge in his mind". That is misconception quite common. In fact the film director shows it clearly enough to learn that Kwinto has no revenge in mind. It is likely he will accept the money from Kramer if only Kramer haven't killed his best friend. This murder is the only reason why he decide to take revenge on Kramer and we can see it clearly.The film itself is a real masterpiece. One can feel as if it was really made in the thirties not fifty years later. Also the language used in the film would be found archaic today but it is how they were talking in the 30's. The plot is dynamic and interesting without any "blackholes of boredom" which are common in many polish films.

This is one of the very excellent movies that you don't get to see often. A twisted plot, good humor, excellent play and the unique atmosphere of the 30's capture you. There is not really much to add to it, except that Va-Bank II might be even better ! If you are able to see this film - see it. I am running out of words to tell you how wonderful the movie is. I have already mentioned that the actors' play is terrific, but you really have to see it to appreciate it. Every little detail was prepared for you to bring you into the 30's. Everything is good, even the music that the main character plays on his trumpet is excellent (I still remember it :) ) I just wonder - Polish people don't comment on IMDb or what ? This film is highly appreciate all round the ex-USSR, so if you somehow missed it - don't lose your chance.