Psy (film)

Psy (Polish pronunciation: [ˈpsɨ], Dogs), known in English as Pigs, is a Polish crime thriller directed by Wladyslaw Pasikowski. The film was released on November 20, 1992.

Plot

Poland, right after fall of communism, early 90s. Former agents of SB (Communist Secret Service) are undergoing re-evaluation, by which new democratic Police directorship is trying to decide whether or not they are able to be incorporated into new Police. Franz Mauer (Bogusław Linda) is one of them. He has a notorious service record, is ruthless, but devoted to service - the only thing he cares about, since he became estranged from his wife and son. Eventually he is recruited to Police. But one of his best friends, Olgierd, isn't. Facing unemployment, Olgierd joins a newly created crime group (consisting of many ex-SB agents) which operates in drug smuggling business. Soon, Franz and Olgierd - who try to cooperate in spite of new circumstances - find each other enemies. Besides, Franz's relationship with Angela - a young girl whom Franz befriended, becomes more and more complicated as the story continues, especially after Angela meets Olgierd.

Background

Polish cinema went through a relatively quick and much needed transition in the late 80s that mirrored political changes. As Poland became a democratic country the state let go of its monopoly of the film industry and censorship was lifted. This not only gave freedom to Polish movie making but also allowed foreign films to be screened. These new film policies were well received among new audiences who were too young to remember the solidarity movements and became tired of watching movies about it. In a new market economy for film audiences started to choose what they wanted to watch. This meant classic Polish films struggled to capture audiences as foreign Hollywood-like films gained popularity. As some feared the end of Polish cinema others saw it as a chance to catch up with the rest of Europe and the world. It is through the Americanization of a very Polish story that Pigs expresses controversial and previously restricted topics. Issues of political instability with a lack of a real national hero are raised. Inequalities and corruption in the state ranging from a social to personal level are also looked at. Finally large scale criminal activity is recognized as a reality, presented through taboo subtopics of violence, vulgar language and drugs.

Cast

External links

• Psy at the Internet Movie Database