‘When the Sun was a God / Stara Baśń’ dir. George Hoffman (2003).

This drama/fantasy tells the legendary story of King Popiel. It is set in Poland’s pagan times with fast action, explicit battles, romance and spectacular costumes. The fates of the characters interlace in an everlasting fight between good and evil and human passions of love, hatred and the greed for power.

The story focuses on Popiel, an evil and oppressive ruler who uses force unjustly on neighbouring people. The people unite and make an effort to overthrow him. Within the story are the Sun deity, a four faced statue worshiped by the Poles, and the Viking Odin, a second force portrayed as a very powerful group of warriors, who battle the pre-historic Poles.

The battle scenes are graphic and bloody with realistic special effects and sheer brutality.Of course, there is a love story complete with magical pagan rituals and dance. The movie contains eerie music and beautiful photographic imagery.

This feature film, based on an 1876 novel by Józef Ignacy Kraszewski, was released in the UK in 2011 under the title ‘Army of Valhalla’.

If you enjoy historical movies you have to watch this one..

Subtitles. Age 16+. 2-4.30 pm (135 min)

Museum entry by donation. Polish Museum, 125 Elliot St, Howick. Ph 533 3530