Cold War

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Cold War

R

Released Dec 21, 2018

1h 28m

Romance

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

254 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

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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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

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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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Giuseppe Sedia

Kino Mania

Less hieratic than Ida, Cold War has a lot to offer to the audience Maybe Pawlikowski would have not won Best Director Award at Cannes if it wasn’t for the sumptuous acting displayed in this cruel, jazz-drenched and Mizoguchi-esque tale of two lovers

Rated: 5/5

Jan 21, 2025

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Calum Cooper

Source (Scotland)

As the romance gradually evolves, so too does our captive investment in its provocative story and stylish nature.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 14, 2024

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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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Liam D

Coming at a brisk 84 minutes this Oscar nomination drama is an unique romance that has great performances and beautiful cinematography

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/17/24

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Sasha W

The acting was terrific but the plot is sooooo frustrating to watch. I was bored the entire time. Literally NOTHING happens in this entire movie. I wasted $7 on a prime rental and I can’t get that 2 hours of my life back. No back story. Nothing exciting. I was rolling my eyes the entire time. I don’t understand why this movie is so highly rated. My boyfriend is a history buff and he didn’t enjoy it either. Soooooo slooooooow.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

07/16/24

Full Review

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

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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

Full Review

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

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Paweł Pawlikowski

Director

Joanna Kulig

Zula Lichoń

Tomasz Kot

Wiktor Warski

Agata Kulesza

Irena Bielecka

Borys Szyc

Lech 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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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: Paweł Pawlikowski
Producer: Tanya Seghatchian, Ewa Puszczyńska
Screenwriter: Paweł Pawlikowski, Janusz Głowacki, 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
Runtime: 1h 28m
Sound Mix: Digital 5.1
Aspect Ratio: Academy (1.33:1)

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