Ida is a Polish film which won
Oscars in the Best Foreign Language Category at the recently held Academy
Awards. And it deserves the accolades for its sensitivity in dealing with the
subject. The film is the story of a young nun Anna (played by Agata Trzebuchowska) who was orphaned during the World War II.
She is now determined to meet her aunt and find out about her parents, before
she could take her religious vows.
Film Clip
Director: Paweł
Pawlikowski
The journey, though, takes her to
hitherto uninhabited terrains and situations, which she finds both revelatory as
well as momentary. Even as she discovers how her parents were killed, she is
not disturbed beyond a point about the events that took place in the past and
shows remarkable calm and composure. Even when she comes to know that she was
born a Jew, she is not overtly amazed and thus does not indulge in exaggerated
emotions.
And that perhaps is the strength of
the film. Throughout, one gets to witness characters contrasting in nature, yet
not resorting to undue pomposity. They go about their role play nonchalantly,
giving the film its richness and artistic value.
Agatha, the young nun, is just the right
character to play the role of a courageous and indifferent girl. Her performance
has elevated the character, and of course the film, a notch or two higher in
quality. Full marks to director Paweł Pawlikowski for
his effective handling of script and screenplay.
- Melwyn Pinto SJ
