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Poster for Kanal

Kanal

Seen it?

1957 | 96 min | War, Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop. 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 The Deer Hunter or Hamburger Hill, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 36 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Polish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1957: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In the last few days of the Warsaw Uprising during World War II, a modest group of Resistance members remains. The band must take refuge in the sewers under the orders of leader Zadra, but it's only a matter of time before they will have to emerge. However, when they try, they are met only with intense hostility from the Nazis. Despite their attempts stay resolute through immense mental strain, it becomes increasingly apparent that they may be doomed.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.6 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 30K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing

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Cast & crew

Directed by Andrzej Wajda

  • Teresa Iżewska"Daisy"
  • Tadeusz JanczarEnsign "Korab"
  • Wieńczysław GlińskiLieutenant "Zadra"
  • Tadeusz GwiazdowskiSergeant "Kula"
  • Stanisław Mikulski"Smukły"
  • Emil KarewiczLieutenant "Mądry"
  • Vladek SheybalMichał
  • Teresa BerezowskaHalinka
  • Zofia LindorfWoman searching for a Daughter
  • Janina JabłonowskaWoman shouting at Resistance Members