“In Darkness” is a 2011 Polish-German-Canadian drama film directed by Agnieszka Holland. The movie is based on the true story of Leopold Socha, a Polish sewer worker who, during World War II, hid a group of Jews in the underground sewage system of Lviv to protect them from the Nazis.
The film depicts the tense and claustrophobic conditions of the underground hiding place, as well as the emotional toll of the situation on both the Jews and Socha himself. The movie explores themes of survival, courage, and the moral dilemmas faced by those who risk their lives to help others.
The performances by the cast, particularly Robert Więckiewicz as Socha and Benno Fürmann as a Jewish refugee, are exceptional, bringing depth and nuance to the characters. The film’s direction and cinematography effectively capture the dark and oppressive atmosphere of the wartime setting.
“In Darkness” received critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling and sensitive treatment of its subject matter. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and won several other awards, including the Audience Award at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.
Overall, “In Darkness” is a powerful and emotionally resonant film that offers a moving tribute to the bravery and selflessness of those who risked their lives to save others during the war. It is a must-watch for those interested in stories of resistance and survival during the Holocaust.
Directed by | Agnieszka Holland, |
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Written by | David F. Shamoon (based on In the Sewers of Lvov by Robert Marshall) |
Produced by | Andrzej Besztak Steffen Reuter Patrick Knippel Marc-Daniel Dichant Leander Carell Juliusz Machulski Paul Stephens Eric Jordan |
Starring | Robert Więckiewicz, Benno Fürmann, Maria Schrader, Herbert Knaup, |
Cinematography | Jolanta Dylewska |
Edited by | Mike Czarnecki |
Music by | Antoni Komasa-Łazarkiewicz |
Production companies |
Zebra Films, Schmidtz Katze Filmkollektiv, the Film Works |
Distributed by | Sony Pictures Classics |
Release dates | 2 September 2011 (Telluride (USA)) 15 September 2011 (Poland) |
Running time | 144 minutes |
Countries | Poland Germany Canada |
Languages | Polish German Yiddish Ukrainian |