THE PEASANTS
POLAND
Directors: Dorota Kobiela Welchman and Hugh Welchman
Cast: Kamila Urzędowska, Robert Gulaczyk, Mirosław Baka, Sonia Mietielica, Ewa Kasprzyk, Cezary Łukaszewicz, Małgorzata Kożuchowska, Sonia Bohosiewicz, Dorota Stalińska, Andrzej Konopka, Marcin Rusin and Maciej Musiał.
Genre: Historical drama, Painted animation
135 minutes: Polish with English subtitles – 2023
Rating: 16 D L N P S SV V
Held together by tradition and deep-rooted patriarchy the 19th century Polish village of Lipce is a hotbed of gossip and on-going feuds. When the beautiful Jagna finds herself caught between the conflicting desires of the village’s richest farmer, his eldest son and other menfolk, her resistance puts her on a tragic collision course with the community around her.
Full of ornamental song and rapturous dance, The Peasants is a comic, tragic, and reflective tableau resembling an ancient epic. The acted performances are meticulously painted frame after frame by more than 100 oil painters in the unique style reminiscent of Loving Vincent, the landmark 2017 film by the same husband and wife director duo. The score is by rapper/ music producer Łukasz Rostkowski (aka “L.U.C”) and his Rebel Babel Film Orchestra, which also features Katie Melua. Adapted from the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Władysław Reymont, The Peasants was Poland’s submission to the 2024 Academy Awards.
A spellbinding tableau of tragic love and one woman’s yearning for independence.
Sara Clements, Next Best Picture
A powerful story that hints at the dangers of beauty, the power of public opinion, and our own fear of female freedom and sexuality.
Dave Giannini, InSession Film
Using painted animation to startling effect The Peasants is an engrossing tale of agrarian lust, greed and betrayal.
Christopher Lloyd, The Film Yap
One could teach a master class on this film, it is that rich. For anyone who loves art, literature, and film, “The Peasants” is a must-see.
Kaely Monahan, Arizona Republic
Gorgeous to look at, with almost every frame its own work of art.
Roger Moore, Movie Nation