Watch Desire for Beauty

Desire for Beauty is a 2013 Polish drama film directed by Jacek Lusinski. The story revolves around Basia (played by Maria Czubaszek), a young woman who dreams of becoming a beauty pageant winner. Despite her plump figure and average looks, Basia is determined to win the title of Miss Poland. She enlists the help of her friend Piotr (played by Jakub Damore-Krekora) who works as a photographer for a modeling agency.

As Basia prepares for the beauty pageant, she faces numerous challenges including weight loss, plastic surgery, and dealing with the cutthroat competition among the contestants. Along the way, she also confronts her own insecurities and learns the true cost of fame and beauty.

The film is set in Warsaw, Poland, and features stunning shots of the cityscape. The cinematography is impressive, capturing both the beauty and the grittiness of the urban landscape. The music score is also noteworthy, with haunting melodies adding to the film's melancholic mood.

The acting performances are strong, particularly from Maria Czubaszek who portrays Basia with an authentic mix of determination and vulnerability. Jakub Damore-Krekora shines as Piotr, a conflicted character torn between his loyalty to Basia and the demands of his job. Agata Kulesza, who plays Basia's mother, delivers a powerful performance in a supporting role that adds depth to the narrative.

The film explores themes of beauty, identity, and societal expectations. It delves into the damaging effects of societal pressure to conform to a certain image of beauty and the lengths people will go to achieve it. The film also raises questions about the importance of inner beauty and self-acceptance.

Desire for Beauty is a thought-provoking film that will resonate with viewers who have struggled with body image and self-esteem issues. It is a poignant reminder that true beauty lies within and that the pursuit of physical perfection can come at a great cost.

Desire for Beauty is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.