Katyn
Director: Andrezj Wajda
Cert: 15
Time: 2hrs 2mins (Polish with subtitles)
Based on the novel Post Mortem, Katyn is the name of the forest where, during a three day period in 1940, the Soviet Army massacred 15,000 Polish officers and professionals. Stalin’s purpose was to destroy elements of the population who would be resistant to Soviet control following the war.
Andrezj Wajda’s film pulls no punches in depicting the ruthless efficiency with which the Soviets murdered their foe and, no less significantly, the impact that this had on loved ones back home. It also explores the lengths to which the Soviets went to conceal the truth one which remained clouded by suspicion until, half a century later, President Gorbachov finally admitted his nation’s culpability.
Harrowing and unremittingly bleak though it may be, Katyn offers a powerful portrayal of callous disregard for human life. So much so that as the credits rolled, all those who watched it remained wedded to their seats, speechless and unable to move.
Rating: 4/5
Patrons: 9
CA
