Watch An Ancient Tale: When the Sun Was a God

An Ancient Tale: When the Sun Was a God is a historical drama film directed by Jerzy Hoffman and released in 2003. Set during the Bronze Age, the movie is based on the novel by Jozef Wittlin and tells the story of the clash between two civilizations - the ancient people of the Zbruch River Valley and their conquerors, the Scythians.

The film begins with a prologue, in which we are introduced to the ancient Slavic gods and their rituals. We then see the peaceful life of the Zbruchian people, who are skilled in metallurgy and farming. However, their peaceful existence is soon interrupted by the arrival of the ruthless Scythians, led by the warrior Sarmat. The Scythians are a nomadic people with a warlike culture, and they seek to conquer new lands and subjugate their inhabitants.

The main character of the movie is the Zbruchian blacksmith, Dawid, played by Bohdan Stupka. Dawid is a wise and respected member of his tribe, who is married to the beautiful Alina, played by Magdalena Mielcarz. When the Scythians invade their land, Dawid is taken prisoner along with other men from his village. Sarmat, played by Michał Żebrowski, is impressed by Dawid's skills as a blacksmith and decides to spare his life.

Dawid is taken to the Scythian village, where he encounters the Scythian queen, Ora, played by Alicja Bachleda-Curuś. Ora is a fierce and independent woman, who was once betrayed by her husband and is determined to rule her tribe with strength and intelligence. Dawid and Ora develop a complex relationship, as they both come to understand and respect each other's cultures and traditions.

As the movie progresses, we see the clash of civilizations between the Zbruchians and the Scythians. The Zbruchians fight to defend their land and their way of life, while the Scythians seek to expand their empire and dominate their enemies. There are battles, ambushes, and betrayals, as both sides struggle to gain the upper hand. The cinematography is stunning, with sweeping shots of the Ukrainian landscape and detailed depictions of ancient life and culture.

Throughout the film, there are themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Dawid and Alina's love is tested by their separation and the hardships they face. Dawid must choose between his loyalty to his people and his respect for the Scythians who spared his life. Ora and Sarmat's relationship is marked by passion and rivalry, as they both seek to control their tribe.

An Ancient Tale: When the Sun Was a God is a beautifully made and compelling movie, with great performances by the cast. Bohdan Stupka's portrayal of Dawid is nuanced and understated, conveying both his intelligence and his humility. Michał Żebrowski brings depth and complexity to the character of Sarmat, a warrior who is torn between his loyalty to his people and his desire to understand and respect their enemies. Daniel Olbrychski is captivating as the wise old shaman, who provides spiritual guidance and insight.

Overall, the movie is a rich and powerful exploration of ancient history and human nature. It combines action, drama, and romance in a satisfying and thought-provoking way. An Ancient Tale: When the Sun Was a God is a must-see for anyone interested in historical epics and the ancient world.