A Generation (1955)

 Andrzej Wajda's "A Generation"


Andrzej Wajda's 1955 film "A Generation" is the first film in what many consider a "Three War Films" trilogy. The films all take place during the second World War, which was only a decade past by this point. Inspired by the Italian neo-realists, Wajda filmed "A Generation" outdoors with less than ideal lighting and weather conditions. The result was a gritty visual format that matched the guerilla rebellion taking place in the story.  

The film is set in Wola, a working-class section of Warsaw in 1942. Our protagonist, Stach, gets tired and angry of living in squalor under Nazi occupation and begins thieving as an act of rebellion. This leads him to join an underground resistance force to fight the Nazis.

I think "A Generation" is a good jumping off point for Wajda. It seems he is just getting his feet wet with this film and I believe it makes for a good exercise in neo-realist filmmaking. While the plot of the story is quite engaging, there is little depth underneath beyond the 'fight against fascism' themes, of which I'm fully on board. Because of this, the film is a moderately fascinating watch while bristling with so much potential. I'm hoping this potential gets exercised in Wajda's follow-ups, "Kanal" and "Ashes and Diamonds." That being said, "A Generation" is a great place to start.



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