
Is The Devils, the Devils Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1991)
Even in Poland today, Gypsies are viewed with profound suspicion -- not that things are that much better for them anywhere else in Europe. In this coming-of-age drama, Mala, an ord...
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then The Devils, the Devils offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1991 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
🎬 The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Debuting in 1991, The Devils, the Devils represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Even in Poland today, Gypsies are viewed with profound suspicion -- not that things are that much better for them anywhere else in Europe. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Even in Poland today, Gypsies are viewed with profound suspicion -- not that things are that much better for them anywhere else in Europe. In this coming-of-age drama, Mala, an ordinary Polish girl who is about thirteen years old, is just beginning to wake up to the world around her. When she hears the adults of the village making disparaging remarks about Gypsies, that's exactly what it takes to motivate her to go out and visit them. She has a rich and rewarding encounter, until the authorities come into their camp to drive them off. No one is harmed, and Mala's life has been changed for the better by her adventures."
🎭 Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In The Devils, the Devils, we see Danuta Szaflarska utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.
The direction by Dorota Kędzierzawska is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 81 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
🤔 Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is The Devils, the Devils truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
⚖️ Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, The Devils, the Devils explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1991 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Dorota Kędzierzawska respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
🏆 Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, The Devils, the Devils is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Danuta Szaflarska or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Devils, the Devils is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.4 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.