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Moonlighting is a 1982 film directed by Jerzy Skolimowski and starring Jeremy Irons, Eugene Lipinski, and Jiri Stanislav. Set in the early 1980s during the Solidarity movement in Poland, the film tells the story of two Manchester-based construction workers who travel to Warsaw to make some extra money by doing a repair job on an old church. However, things take a drastic turn when they arrive in Warsaw and find the city in a state of unrest.

The film begins with a lighthearted tone as the two workers, Nowak (Jeremy Irons) and his assistant Kudelski (Eugene Lipinski), embark on their journey to Poland. They are portrayed as blue-collar workers who are trying to make ends meet in the midst of the UK's economic recession. Nowak is the brains behind the operation, while Kudelski is more of a bumbling sidekick. The duo manages to secure the job in Poland with ease, and they set off for their adventure with excitement.

However, things start to become unsettling as soon as they arrive in Poland. The city is in chaos, with police and soldiers patrolling the streets and the protesters clashing with the authorities. Nowak and Kudelski find themselves stranded in the city with no means of contacting their employer, and no way of leaving the country. They are forced to take shelter in the church they were meant to repair, and they soon realize that they are not alone.

The scenes that follow are tense and atmospheric, as the two workers try to navigate through the chaos and figure out a way to escape the city. The film skilfully blends the themes of politics, history, and personal relationships with a sense of urgency and danger. The events on the streets are depicted with documentary-like realism, and the film succeeds in portraying the gravity of the situation.

Jeremy Irons gives a remarkable performance as Nowak, a man who is portrayed as tough and resourceful, but also human and emotional. As the situation in Warsaw becomes increasingly dangerous, we get to see Nowak's true colours, as he steps up to protect Kudelski and the other civilians in the church. Irons is charming and captivating in his role, delivering a nuanced and multi-layered performance that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Eugene Lipinski is also excellent as Kudelski, the naive and comedic assistant who serves as a foil to Nowak's seriousness. Although his character is somewhat underdeveloped, Lipinski manages to shine in his scenes and provides some much-needed comic relief. Jiri Stanislav also deserves praise for his portrayal of Father Jozef, the priest who offers sanctuary to the two workers. His performance is quiet but impactful, and he manages to convey a sense of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

The visuals of Moonlighting are striking, with the film's cinematography and editing providing a sense of urgency and tension. The use of handheld cameras and frenzied editing create a sense of chaos and confusion, and the film's final act is particularly well-shot and choreographed. The score by Stanley Myers is also noteworthy, providing an emotional backdrop to the events on screen.

Overall, Moonlighting is a gripping and thought-provoking film that offers a powerful commentary on political turmoil and personal relationships. It is a film that manages to be both thrilling and emotional, and the performances by the actors are truly remarkable. Although the pacing can be slow at times, the film's final act will leave the audience on the edge of their seats. Moonlighting is a film that deserves to be seen and appreciated, and it remains a timeless classic of the 1980s cinema.

Moonlighting is a 1982 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.