57. Jak zostalem gangsterem. Historia prawdziwa; movie review

JAK ZOSTALEM GANGSTEREM. HISTORIA PRAWDZIWA
Cert 18
140 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong real sex, drug misuse, sexual violence, very strong language

It is only two days since I sneered at the violence and machismo of Polish mobster movies, condemning them as being too similar.
Obviously, 48 hours is a long-time in the world of extreme movie-watching because I rather enjoyed this Polish thriller and it even has gangster in the title.
Maciej Kawulski‘s movie claims to be based on the true story of a charismatic crime lord who had seen his path from the moment he enjoyed the adrenaline rush of playground fights as a 10-year-old. 
Marcin Kowalczyk is the gangster as a grown-up and still gets off on the rawness of fist battles but has become more sophisticated over time as he desires money, power and being above the law.
He narrates his own story, putting it in the context of Polish history as it moves from the Communist regime, through Lech Walesa's Solidarity, the move to free-market economics and the void that was filled by criminals.
He tries to remain aloof, not even being close to his parents but, after years of flitting between women, he falls in love at first sight for a pretty student (Natalia Szroeder).
And he also parks his rules for his closest and most loyal friend (Tomasz Wlosok) who heads most of his schemes but allows power and drugs to go to his head.
Despite these emotional pulls, the unnamed lead is calm and learns by mistakes, using his propensity to brutality only when needed.
Thus, he becomes one of the most feared men in Poland.
The added dimension of history and the very effective way in which its story is told, sets Jak zostalem gangsterem. Historia prawdziwa apart from many of the Polish mobster movies I have seen.
Its other major attraction is a superb soundtrack which brought back myriad memories of the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Yes, it has the typical hard violence and women are portrayed as sex objects but, thanks to an alluring lead and clever direction, Kawulski's film reeled me in.

Reasons to watch: Gusty and entertaining
Reasons to avoid: There are a few gangster cliches

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: Yes
Nudity: Yes
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? Director Maciej Kawulski was co-founder of the Polish Federation of Martial Arts Confrontation

The final word. : Maciej Kawulski: "I am talking about a gangster environment to which I may never have belonged and in which I may seem inauthentic, but which - also thanks to my industry - I had the opportunity to face." WP Film

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