Ida-2014

Director Pawel Pawlikowsi

Starring Agata Trzebuchowska

Scott’s Review #238

Reviewed April 24, 2015

Grade: A

Ida (2014), the winner of several Best Foreign Language statuettes, including the first-ever Best Foreign Language Oscar for Poland, is a black-and-white film containing beautiful cinematography.

It offers a fascinating story that is moving, sad, and character-driven, centered on two compelling characters.

The ravages and after-effects of war have been explored in film before, but Ida brings a fresh spin to the subject matter.

The film takes place sometime in the 1960s, years after the cruelties of World War II and the brutality of the holocaust occurred, and explores the long-lasting pain and sadness that this incredible time in history left on the survivors, both mentally and physically.

The focus is on Anna (Agata Trzebuchowska), a young nun about to take her coveted vows and begin a life serving the Lord. Quite beautiful, she was left as a toddler at a convent.

Before she takes her vows, she is instructed to spend time with her only known relative, Aunt Wanda (Agata Kulesza).

Wanda is a former judge who battles depression and alcoholism. Her brother, Anna’s father, was murdered along with Wanda’s young son, so she is a tortured soul.

As Anna (real name Ida and Jewish) and Wanda begin a road trip to find the whereabouts of their deceased family’s bodies, they both face personal demons.

What struck me most about Ida is the cinematography; the black-and-white is lovely, especially when Ida and Wanda travel across the Polish countryside, which is exquisite.

The farms, land, and roads are so crisp and perfectly lit that it is easy to fall in love with them.

Many scenes resemble paintings, giving the film an artistic quality. Ida is simply elegant and peaceful in style.

Ida’s story is wonderful. Ida, the title character, is a torn nun. She knows no life but the church that saved her. But she is a gorgeous young woman filled with desires.

She sees her promiscuous aunt flaunt men and dress to the nines in flashy outfits and makeup.

Ida, almost always dressed in her nun’s garb, secretly wears Wanda’s dresses and makeup, transforming herself. When she meets a handsome saxophone player, her desires begin to brim over, and her conflict increases, especially as the truth about her heritage unfolds.

As interesting a character study as Ida is, the character of Wanda is equally, if not more so, interesting. Damaged, hurt, and depressed, she needs men to feel good about herself.

An alcoholic, she has not gotten over the death of her young son and has become a bitter woman.

Ida is about loss.

Visually and creatively enticing, Ida is as good as they get. It deserves the many awards it received.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Foreign Language Film (won), Best Cinematography

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best International Film (won)