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Ida is a 2013 Polish movie directed by Pawel Pawlikowski. The movie tells the story of a young novice named Anna (Agata Trzebuchowska) who was brought up in a convent in Poland during the communist reign. Before taking her vows, Anna is asked by her Mother Superior to visit her only living relative, her aunt Wanda (Agata Kulesza), who is living in Lodz. Wanda is a former state prosecutor who has experienced the gruesome days of World War II, hence leading her to alcoholism and nihilism.

Anna and Wanda are two different women bound by their history, traditions, and fate. Anna is innocent, calm, and naïve, while Wanda is atheist, sarcastic, and sexually liberated. Together, they go on a journey to unearth Anna's past and discover the truth about her family history. Along the way, they visit the rural areas of Poland, which is visually stunning and a departure from the bleak post-war urban settings.

The movie portrays deep-rooted themes of identity, trauma, and forgiveness. It is an exploration of Poland's traumatic past the atrocities committed by the Nazis and the communist regime. The movie also confronts Poland's deep-seated Catholic traditions, which blend seamlessly with the communist influence. Anna, as a young woman, is caught between these two opposing forces, each pulling her in different directions.

The lead actresses are simply brilliant in their roles. Agata Kulesza's character, Wanda, is cynical, sarcastic, and broken. Her character is a representation of the moral ambiguity that existed during World War II, where people were forced to make impossible choices. She deftly portrays the transformation from a woman who has lost faith in humanity to one who finds hope in the most unexpected places.

Agata Trzebuchowska, on the other hand, flawlessly portrays the untouched and innocent young novice Anna. Her performance is subtle yet powerful, conveying the depth of Anna's emotions and the gradual coming-of-age she experiences throughout the movie. Dawid Ogrodnik, who plays the part of a jazz musician named Lis, adds charm to the otherwise bleak setting.

The cinematography of the movie deserves special mention. Shot in black and white, the visuals capture the stark contrast of the beautiful Polish countryside with the grim post-war urban settings. The frames are beautifully composed, and each shot is a visual treat, capturing the soul of Poland's history and culture.

Overall, Ida is a beautifully crafted movie that explores themes of identity, faith, trauma, and forgiveness. Set in Poland's post-war era, the movie is a poignant and moving portrayal of a young woman's journey to uncover her past and find her place in the world. Pawel Pawlikowski's direction, coupled with the brilliant performances by the lead actresses and stunning cinematography, make Ida an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Ida is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 91.