CUSTODY [1983]
year:
- 1983
release date:
- 15 II 1985
runtime:
- 118 min
directed by:
- Wiesław Saniewski
written by:
- Wiesław Saniewski
director of photography:
- Witold Adamek
cast:
- Ewa Błaszczyk [Klara Małosz], Teresa Sawicka [counselor Beata], Grażyna Szapołowska [counselor Kinga], Gabriela Kownacka [Danusia Wabik], Justyna Kulczycka [Justyna Stachlik], Ewa Szykulska [Stacha Wilecka], Elżbieta Zającówna [Ala Krawiec], Ewa Dałkowska [Maria Gabrysiakowa], Adam Ferency [Adam Małosz], Małgorzata Pieczyńska [Gypsy woman], Ewa Ziętek [Tonia], Włodzimierz Bednarski [a secret policeman who comes to arrest Klara]
edited by:
- Roman Kolski
music by:
- Przemysław Gintrowski
production design:
- Andrzej Kowalczyk
produced by:
- Studio Filmowe im. Karola Irzykowskiego
executive producer:
- Krzysztof Waś
awards:
-
• Don Quixote 1984
•Andrzej Munk Award 1984 for Wiesław Saniewski
• Polish Film Festival Gdansk 1985: award for directing debut or second feature film for Wieslaw Saniewski, award for best female performance in a leading role for Ewa Błaszczyk, best cinematography award for Witold Adamek
• IFF Mannheim (Germany) 1985: FIPRESCI Award
• Award of the Solidarity Independent Committee of Culture 1985
• Golden Reel 1986
About the film
The film, based on real events, shows the no-holds-barred realities of life behind bars. The drama provokes reflection on the limits of human freedom, justice and the essence of humanity.
For her involvement in a financial scandal, Klara is sentenced to life imprisonment. She goes straight to prison from her own wedding; there she gives birth to a baby, which is later given to her mother in law. Klara gets used to prison reality and the permanent presence of inmates of different character. She is influenced by the female wardens who try to subdue the imprisoned women. The arrival of a student, Justyna, and her attitude, opens Klara’s eyes. She begins to understand the need to fight for her dignity and her rights to the child. When her life sentence is changed to a twenty-five-year imprisonment term, Klara tries to obtain permission to care for her sick child.
Jan Słodowski, Leksykon polskich filmów fabularnych, Warszawa 1996
