Set in 1942, on the outskirts of Nazi-occupied Warsaw, Wajda’s striking feature debut centres on Stach, and a group of young, anti-German underground fighters, as they prepare for a new mission. The film not only established Wajda as a director to watch, it foregrounded key recurring themes in his work – honour, courage and sacrifice – and presents a stark account of the tragedies of conflict. A landmark film and the first in the director’s acclaimed war trilogy, A Generation helped change the trajectory of Polish cinema.
Contains a scene of suicide
Also on BFI Player
+ While You Are Sleeping Kiedy ty śpisz Poland 1953. Director Andrzej Wajda. 11min. Digital (restoration). With English subtitles
This fascinating short captures a bustling city at night and was shot by Jerzy Lipman, the cinematographer on A Generation.
Joint ticket available with the screenings of Kanal and Ashes and Diamonds on Sun 15 Feb. Tickets £28.50, concs £22.50 (Members pay £3 less)
