An atypical crime/comedy about a bank heist
Richard J. Brzostek | New England, USA | 09/26/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Vabank" is a Juliusz Machulski 1981 atypical crime/comedy about a bank heist. The humor is dry and ironic. The motivation for the crime is revenge and justice, not petty theft.
Set in 1934, the film opens with an expert safe cracker being released from prison after completing a six-year sentence. He is approached by two aspiring thieves wishing to recruit his talents in a bank heist. He becomes interested when he learns that the man who helped send him to prison is a crocked bank manager working for the target bank. He also learns that a friend of his was murdered by thugs working for the bank. Robbing this bank will allow him to avenge the injustice that had been perpetrated on him and his friend.
Although the story is not too complex, it is involved. The suspense built up as the story unfolded. You wonder if they will pull off the heist. I loved how the story came together at the end.
Juliusz Machulski may be best known for the comedies he directed, with "Seksmisja" being his most well known and my personal favorite. "Vabank" is different, having a serious tone with some comedy to break up the tension. It is entertaining and one that gets more interesting as it progresses.
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"The Sting" Polish Style
Galina | Virginia, USA | 04/20/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
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October 1934. Poland. Famous bank robber Kwinto (Jan Machulski, popular actor and father of director Juliusz Machulski) decided to quit his dangerous criminal job, but after his friend's death, he changed his mind and organized a burglary of the famous and well protected bank which belonged to his former partner in crime, backstabbing and double-crossing Kramer (Leonard Peetraszak). Kwinto designs a deliciously clever plan not to only rob the Kramer's bank but to make it look like Kramer himself did it. Juliusz Machulski's directing debut reminds the celebrated Oscar winner "The Sting" with its retro-style, elegant brilliance, and wonderful use of music - and I am not sure which movie I like better, American or Polish.
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