Watch Nights and Days

Nights and Days is a Polish film directed by Jerzy Antczak and released in 1975. The film is based on Maria Dąbrowska's novel under the same title, which is considered one of the most significant works of Polish literature of the 20th century. The movie follows the lives of two sisters, Barbara (Jadwiga Baranska) and Lidia (Magdalena Zawadzka), and their respective families. Set in the 19th-century Polish countryside, the film covers a period of twenty years, starting from the end of the 1870s.The sisters are from a wealthy, noble family; Barbara is the older of the two and is married to a doctor called Bogumił (Jerzy Binczycki). Lidia, on the other hand, is younger, and has married an engineer named Michał (Emir Buczacki).

The movie mainly focuses on Barbara's family and their struggles with their marriage. Barbara and Bogumił's marriage is strained due to their different views on life. Barbara is a traditional woman who places high value on family and cultural aspirations, whereas Bogumił is more interested in scientific advancements and is an atheist. Despite their differences, they continue to love each other, but their communication breakdown becomes more evident as the years go by.

Meanwhile, Lidia and Michał are struggling to make ends meet, and their marriage is also at risk. Michał's job requires him to travel for long periods, leaving Lidia alone to raise their children. She becomes lonely and starts to develop feelings for another man, complicating their marriage even further.

Throughout the film, the sisters' lives intersect, and we see their bonds and their conflicts. Despite their different personalities, they are united in their love for their family and their home, which is threatened by the changing times and new ideas brought by the modern era. Their story also gives insight into the social and cultural changes in Poland during the late 19th century.

The movie's characters are complex and well-developed, with strong performances from the actors. Jadwiga Baranska shines in her role as Barbara, portraying the character's inner turmoil with a subtlety that is both powerful and impressive. Jerzy Binczycki brings depth to his character, Bogumił, and portrays his scientific curiosity and intellect convincingly. Emir Buczacki also delivers an excellent performance as Michał, depicting his frustrations and struggles as an engineer in a rapidly changing world.

The film's cinematography is captivating, capturing the beauty of the Polish countryside while embodying the dark and melancholic atmosphere of the story. The film's score is another highlight, with its haunting and poignant music adding an emotional depth that complements the complex storyline.

In conclusion, Nights and Days is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores the timeless themes of love, relationships, and family in the context of social upheaval and cultural change. The movie is a faithful adaptation of Maria Dąbrowska's novel, and it succeeds in conveying the story's complexity and depth. It is a must-watch for lovers of Polish literature and cinema and anyone interested in exploring the human condition.