Watch Austeria

Austeria is a 1982 film that delves into the themes of identity, love, and war. Directed by Jerzy Kawalerowicz, this Polish film takes place in the early 20th century, during World War I. The movie begins with a young Jewish woman named Estusia seeking refuge in an inn in a small town in Austria-Hungary. She is running away from the war-torn Bosnia and is hoping to find peace and security in the inn. The innkeeper, Szymek, takes her in, and she becomes his guest. Szymek is a sad and lonely man, who lost his wife and children in the war. Estusia becomes his companion, and they both find solace in each other's company.

As the days go by, more refugees arrive at the inn. Among them is a group of Jewish Hasidic pilgrims, led by a charismatic rabbi named Simcha. They are on their way to Jerusalem, but the war and the borders have blocked their passage. They are forced to stay in the inn, and they bring their own world of customs and traditions with them. The Hasidic pilgrims are a diverse and colorful bunch, with their own opinions and beliefs. They are curious about the world outside their community and eager to share their own stories.

The movie follows the interactions between the guests at the inn, their cultural clashes, and their shared struggles. They are all refugees, running away from the same war, but they have different languages, religions, and backgrounds. The inn becomes a microcosm of the world, where people from different walks of life come together, under one roof.

The movie is filled with beautiful and haunting imagery, as the director captures the landscape of the region. From the snow-covered mountains to the vast fields, the scenery shines through the movie. The music is also a crucial element of the movie, as it reflects the different cultures and traditions of the characters. The score includes folk songs, liturgical music, and romantic melodies, that add to the emotional depth of the movie.

The acting in the movie is superb, with Franciszek Pieczka, Wojciech Pszoniak, and Jan Szurmiej all delivering stellar performances. Pieczka portrays Szymek with a melancholic touch, as he carries the weight of the past on his shoulders. Pszoniak is electrifying as the charismatic rabbi Simcha, who can mesmerize his followers with his words. Szurmiej is poignant as the old Hasidic leader, who has seen many wars and still keeps his faith.

Austeria is a movie that explores profound questions about human nature and society. It asks what happens when people from different cultures and backgrounds are forced to coexist. It reflects on the power of empathy and compassion, but also on the consequences of fear and prejudice. The movie does not offer easy answers, but it presents a rich and thought-provoking narrative that stays with the viewer long after it ends.

Overall, Austeria is a remarkable movie that deserves more recognition. It is a poignant and timely story about the consequences of war and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a movie that transcends borders and languages, and reminds us of our shared humanity.