Since Friday, “Black Sheep” directed by Aleksander Pietrzak has been reigning on cinema screens all over Poland. Audiences have fallen in love with the Gruz family, and reviewers have been full of praise for the latest TVN Grupa Discovery production.
Here is a selection of opinions:
“Black Sheep. Uncontrollable laughter and a flood of tears. We have waited a long time for a film like this.”
Magdalena Maksimiuk, Wp.pl
“Black Sheep is a Polish comedy that is actually funny. Yes, I can’t believe it either. (…) You won’t find gags there that make the whole auditorium roar with laughter. It’s not that kind of comedy. The filmmakers rely instead on the absurdity of the situations and sharp dialogue.”
Tomasz Gardziński, Spidersweb
“Black Sheep is superbly written. The character of Arek in particular is well drawn and has hilarious dialogue. Much of the credit goes to Arkadiusz Jakubik, who gives him energy.”
Dawid Muszyński, Na ekranie
“A Polish comedy that makes you laugh? It’s possible.”
Tomasz Zacharczuk, Trójmiasto.pl
“Black Sheep” is a bittersweet story about a modern family in which everyone has had enough of something. When the crises, conflicts and desires suppressed for years finally explode, everyone starts living on their own terms. Or at least that’s what they think… Will the family members find their happiness? It is a film about bonds that cannot be broken. In a funny way, it answers important questions about family relationships and growing into change.
Aleksander Pietrzak, director:
The film touches on several themes, such as the choice between career and family, growing into fatherhood, trying to find your feet in a completely new life situation, but above all, I think, this film is about how a child creates a bond forever. The two most beautiful emotions are laughter and tears. That is what a comedy drama can give us, and that – I hope – is what “Black Sheep” will give us.
Anna Waśniewska, producer:
It is a universal story about the road to maturity in which each of us can find ourselves. In a funny way, it shows generational differences, problems arising from a lack of communication, and the fear of showing one’s true feelings. We were interested in showing the truth about family and the various moments in the life of a small community. Funny, sometimes sad and frightening. After the difficult experience we have shared over the past year, we know that everyone is now hungry for positive emotions, and those will certainly be delivered by Alek Pietrzak’s film “Black Sheep”.
“Black Sheep”
in cinemas from 13 August 2021
Cast: Arkadiusz Jakubik, Magdalena Popławska, Kamil Szeptycki, Agata Różycka,
Anna Cieślak, Anna Smołowik and Włodzimierz Press
Directed by: Aleksander Pietrzak
Screenplay: Bartosz Kozera
Cinematography: Mateusz Pastewka
Casting director: Marta Kownacka
Producer: Anna Waśniewska
Executive producer: Rafał Ulicki
Production: TVN Grupa Discovery
