Cold War

R

Released Dec 21, 2018

1 hr. 28 min.

Romance

Drama

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92%

254 Reviews

Tomatometer

81%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Set against the backdrop of the 1950s Cold War in Poland, two people of differing backgrounds and temperaments begin an almost impossible romance.

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Critics Consensus

With a brilliantly stark visual aesthetic to match its lean narrative, Cold War doesn't waste a moment of its brief running time -- and doesn't skimp on its bittersweet emotional impact.

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Dani G

Very musical and tragic story about two lovers destined to each other, but in that frame of comunist Europe you know it's not going to be easy. Simple and sober storytelling from Pawlikowski, as most of its fimography

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

Full Review

Joaquin F

Visually and musically captivating, emotionally complex and subtle, provides an interesting glimpse of life under communism

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

10/22/23

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Coco M

A touching story of love in some unfortunate times can make even a grown man cry.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/24/23

Full Review

Noel P

A masterpiece. It reminds me of the realism of the French films in the 60's and 70's I admire so much. The love story is quiet, patient, and sincere. The film treats you like an adult and allows you to figure out the context of what is happening based on the talent of the actors, whether it be by a look, a smile, etc. Beautifully shot, and I hope to see more black and white films in mainstream movie making.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/22/23

Full Review

David Lee K

With the 2018 film "Cold War", Polish filmmaker Paweł Pawlikowski delivers an atypical love story in true Nouvelle Vague style. Wiktor and Zula are meant to be together, but due to the political circumstances and the personal issues of the characters, they fail to make it work. The European post-war landscape is painted in gorgeous black and white, making it a perfect background for this stunning but grim love story that spans multiple decades. The chemistry between its leads is incredibly sexy, but the doom that hovers over them is never far away. Cold War is a dazzling watching experience and comes close to being a masterpiece.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

Full Review

elana k

Cold War's primary drama follows a certain sensibility: that romantic love is paramount. The premise is that a love such as theirs supersedes all logic, even to the point of needless destruction of the self and the other. The fact that we do not see enough of this all consuming love (by way of screen-time and dialogue) is that I am left questioning the basis of their connection, often bewildered by the question "what is the point of all this stupidity?". That being said, this musical odyssey has stuck with me for months after watching it. The intrigue of Poland, its people, their music and language has stuck with me. Even that song, especially that song. If one believes in a tragic romantic love, this is the film to watch. Its artistic merits far outweigh the feeble logic (subjective of course) that one cannot recover from love lost, but rather that one should be destroyed by it. The performances are excellent, the textures of the Cold War political environment and natural environment are so rich that I felt like I was right there in the Cold despair where music and artistic integrity is all that one is left to cling to. This is a truly memorable film, rich in visual imagery and explorations of the human heart. And yes, romance.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

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Pawel Pawlikowski

Director

Joanna Kulig

Zula

Tomasz Kot

Wiktor

Agata Kulesza

Irena

Borys Szyc

Kaczmarek

Adam Woronowicz

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Cold War: Trailer 2

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Cold War: Trailer 1

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Cold War: International Trailer 1

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Amy Nicholson

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

Incredibly sexy. It's nice to see a movie that's actually about passion.

Sep 13, 2019

Full Review

Udita Jhunjhunwala

Firstpost

With changing geography and passage of time, the soundtrack shifts from Polish folk to French jazz to rock 'n' roll. This is one of the highlights of Pawlikowski's homage.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 14, 2019

Full Review

Adam Graham

Detroit News

"Cold War" captivates and transcends barriers of language and culture. It's a gorgeous tale as rocky as it is romantic.

Rated: A-

Feb 1, 2019

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Greg Carlson

Vague Visages

Another stunning work of perfectly placed ellipses and calculated restraint, Pawel Pawlikowski’s Cold War is a film filled with images as iconic and austere as its blunt title.

Nov 8, 2023

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

Two fine lead performances drive the central relationship which is filled with intense passion but also missed opportunities at every turn.

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 19, 2022

Full Review

M.N. Miller

Ready Steady Cut

Cold War has an epic sweep that’s a lyrical gem, almost visually imagistic, and that’s very close to a masterpiece.

Rated: 5/5

Aug 17, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of the 1950s Cold War in Poland, two people of differing backgrounds and temperaments begin an almost impossible romance.

Director: Pawel Pawlikowski
Executive Producer: Nathanaël Karmitz, Lizzie Francke, Rohit Khattar, John Woodward, Jeremy Gawade, Daniel Battsek
Screenwriter: Pawel Pawlikowski, Janusz Glowacki, Piotr Borkowski
Distributor: Amazon Studios
Production Co: Film4, Opus Film, MK2 Films, Polish Film Institute, British Film Institute
Rating: R (Nudity|Language|Some Sexual Content)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Original Language: Polish
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 21, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 31, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.6M
Sound Mix: Digital 5.1
Aspect Ratio: Academy (1.33:1)

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