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Poster for Katyn

Katyn

Seen it?

2007 | 122 min | Drama, History, War

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (91% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved Schindler's List or Amadeus, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Harrowing.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 2 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Polish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

On September 1st, 1939, Nazi Germany invades Poland, unleashing World War II. On September 17th, the Soviet Red Army crosses the border. The Polish army, unable to fight on two fronts, is defeated. Thousands of Polish men, both military and government officials, are captured by the invaders. Their fate will only be known several years later.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    91% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.7 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $15 million worldwide on a $6 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 26K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Andrzej Wajda

  • Andrzej ChyraJerzy
  • Maja OstaszewskaAnna
  • Artur ŻmijewskiAndrzej
  • Danuta StenkaGeneral's Wife
  • Jan EnglertGeneral
  • Magdalena CieleckaAgnieszka
  • Agnieszka GlińskaSchool Director
  • Paweł MałaszyńskiPilot Lieutenant
  • Maja KomorowskaProfessor's Wife
  • Władysław KowalskiProfessor U. J.