Walesa. Man of Hope

We all know the name and legacy of Lech Walesa, who rose from being a shipyard worker to the President of Poland and became a Nobel Prize winning warrior for equality and fairness. But do we know the actual man and the very real hardships he endured to become what he was? Award-winning director Andrzej Wajda mixes archival footage and stunning re-enactments to bring the lengend back to life. Through Robert Wieckiewicz's uncanny and perceptive performance as Walesa, a real man of light and dark emerges—flawed and fearless. We see the passion, arrogance, and love for his family that would not permit him to stand by and watch his countrymen suffer brutal oppression and deprivation. As events escalate and the Solidarity movement grows into an unstoppable force, we are witness to just how this remarkable man altered the course of history. Superb cinematography and vibrant pacing make these world-changing events fresh and real. Combining harsh realism and moments of quiet intimacy, WALESA. MAN OF HOPE is a cinematic biography worthy of the man it portrays. (In Polish and Italian with subtitles) —C.R.