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Mug is a 2018 Polish movie directed by Malgorzata Szumowska. The movie narrates the story of Jacek, a man who gets into a life-altering accident. Jacek (played by Mateusz Kosciukiewicz), a carefree, expressive, and bold man, worked in a Swedish power plant, where he was exposed to lethal chemicals. Though fortunate to survive, he suffered from serious disfigurement, which was beyond rehabilitation. Medical professionals warned him of the extent of his deformity, but he refused to believe their words. Despite the warning, Jacek underwent a face transplant surgery, which led the reconstruction of his identity, life, and relationships.

The opening scene introduces Jacek's quintessential Polish rural village set against the backdrop of stunning landscapes. Jacek works as a construction worker, has a loving family, and is perceived as a fun-loving person by everyone. However, a tragic work accident jeopardizes Jacek's life forever. The rest of the movie delves into the aftermath of the accident, where the audiences see the extent of the changes that have taken place in Jacek's identity.

Mug explores various themes, including loss, alienation, prejudice, and the struggle to find a foothold in the aftermath of catastrophic life-changing events. Apart from Jacek's immediate family and girlfriend (played by Malgorzata Gorol), Jacek's relationship with his family members, friends, and other acquaintances changes drastically. People who were once supportive of him start pushing him away, treating him like an outcast in every aspect of life. As a result, Jacek finds it challenging to accept how his peers perceive him and the extent to which their attitudes towards him have changed.

Mug also explores the deeply ingrained bureaucratic and discriminatory social systems that fail to support people who have experienced such catastrophes. From the futile attempts of psychiatrist, priest, and social worker to the lack of support for the physical treatments Jacek needs, Mug question how society sees and treats people like Jacek.

The movie also showcases the different facets of love and human relationships. Jacek's girlfriend initially finds it tough to accept Jacek after the surgery. She confides in a priest (played by Robert Talarczyk) about whether she is justified to withdraw her affection from Jacek. But as the movie progresses, the love between the two is reignited; they find a way to come to terms with Jacek's new identity.

Mateusz Kosciukiewicz puts up an excellent performance as Jacek. He portrays Jacek's defiance, vulnerability, and resilience seamlessly throughout the movie. His role in the movie was of utmost importance, as the audiences see the physical and mental aspects of Jacek as a person, Jacek's treatment by different people in his life, and his reaction to their behavior.

Another notable aspect of the movie is the cinematography. Szumowska has captured the landscapes stunningly, which provides an excellent background to the movie's themes. From the picturesque Polish countryside to the gritty streets of Warsaw, the locations add a unique dimension to the storytelling.

Overall, Mug is an exceptional movie that provides a gripping commentary on identity, love, and society's attitudes towards people who go against the norm. The movie gives a refreshing perspective on the daily struggles faced by millions of people worldwide who face similar situations, and how some of them cope with rejection and the inability to find a foothold in life. The movie also sheds light on the lack of support for such people, and how societal attitudes can affect one's recovery and the development of their personal identity. It is a movie worth watching, regardless of one's opinion on the themes it explores.