1920 Polish-Bolshevik war movie – in 3D!

Still - Glinka agency

“Theoretically, this film should never have happened,” the director declared at the preview, citing the financial and technical challenges.

“But it turned out that we have plenty of talented people in Poland, and our producer Jerzy Michaluk managed to find the funds.”

The film ultimately cost over 27 million zloty (6.1 million euros).

The Battle of Warsaw 1920 brings to life the reemergence of Poland after the First World War, and the struggle that ensued with the Soviets during the Polish-Bolshevik War.

“This battle saved Poland and a significant part of Europe from communism for 19 years,” the director said.

He also noted wryly that “it was the only battle and war that the Poles won by themselves since the late 17th century.”

Hoffman weaves a love story against the backdrop of conflict, with a young cavalry officer, played by award-winning actor Borys Szyc, called to the front shortly after proposing marriage.

Seasoned performer Daniel Olbrychski plays the role of Marshal Pilsudski, Poland's military strongman, while cinematographer Slawomir Idziak (Gattaca, Black Hawk Dawn, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) makes his first foray into 3D technology.

Hoffman, although new to 3D himself, is no stranger to war-torn epics. His rendition of author Henryk Sienkiewicz's Trilogy, a swashbuckling 17th century saga akin to Dumas, won him an Oscar nomination for The Deluge (1974), the second instalment in the sequence.

The official premiere of The Battle of Warsaw 1920 will be on 30 September. (nh/pg)