Bartkowiak Bartkowiak (2021)

While not a narrative groundbreaking piece, Bartkowiak (2021) leaves a powerful impression through its energetic and effective cinematic execution. Director Daniel Markowicz masterfully crafts a gloomy, oppressive atmosphere of the Polish underworld, where underground MMA fights are not just entertainment but a means of brutal reckoning. The film employs close-ups and low-angle shots in its action sequences, delivering a visceral and immediate feel, particularly during its violent combat scenes.

Józef Pawłowski's performance as Bartkowiak is a significant highlight. He convincingly portrays the internal conflict between his thirst for revenge and his weariness of the cycle of violence. Although supporting characters like Zofia Domalik and Janusz Chabior don't get extensive screen time to develop deep nuances, they capably fulfill their roles in solidifying the criminal backdrop and propelling the protagonist's journey. The themes of personal justice and the decay of power are clearly embedded, albeit sometimes quite directly.

Bartkowiak positions itself as a pure action film, focusing on impactful blows and a rapid pace. It doesn't aspire to be a deeply philosophical work; instead, it stands as a prime example of contemporary revenge thrillers, characterized by its distinctive visual style and an uncompromising fighting spirit. The film reinforces the presence of Polish cinema within the regional action genre.