Knife In The Water [1962]

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2007-11-18 rating:
It stands out compared to other Polish films
Knife in the Water (Noz w Wode) is Roman Polanski's first feature film. It stands out compared to other Polish films of the time because it has a contemporary story. Other directors, such as Andrzej Wajda, did make films with contemporary stories but the majority of the Polish movies in the early 1960s were about the war.

One remarkable aspect about this movie is there are only three actors. There is a middle-age man named Andrzej, his young wife Krystyna and a young man. The sparks that result from the trio are enough to totally keep the story interesting and suspenseful.

On the way to the lake, the couple picks up a young man hitchhiking. The young man is a wise guy and a risk taker. They take him along with them to their boat and go sailing. Andrzej sees the young man's character and wants to teach him a lesson. Both of the men are very alike and get a kick out of the game of cat and mouse they play. The men use shows of bravado and laughter as weapons, no doubt trying to not only outdo the other but also impress Krystyna. Krystyna tries to keep the situation as calm as possible as both try to outwit each other.

The tension builds and builds the longer they are together. One can't help but think that the film is titled Knife in the Water. How and when the knife will play a role is always on the back of one's mind. Considering the great tension between the men, it just seems like a matter of time before the knife settles their dispute.

Keeping in mind the story is relatively simple, just three people going on a boat together, Polanski has to be given a lot of credit that he made the film so intense.

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review by: date: 2005-03-14 rating:
A very beautiful film
This is Roman Polanksi's first feature length film. If you are interested in his films, I suggest you start here as this is the one that made his name.

The film is basically about the tension which builds between a mismatched couple and a young hitchhiker on a sailing trip.
It is interesting that this film managed to escape Communist censors and show a very modern, forward looking Poland.

It is a beautiful film, to watch, not a shot is wasted and the landscape looks magnificent. The actress Jolanta Umecka, is an absolute natural beauty, though I note that this is the only film she has starred in.

Not much happens in the film, admittedly, but it has an underlying tension which keeps you interested. Very Good.

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review by: two-pint-shorty date: 2004-07-25 rating:
the jewel in the crown
This is my favourite movie ever. Essentially a power play A Knife In The Water is simple film making taken to extraordinary lengths. And the ambigous ending still takes my breath away. A film like this would never be made nowadays, studio execs would demand closure, and a happy ending. The plot is simple, a man and a woman pick up a hitchhiker and spend the next couple of days on their boat with him, during which the two men become embroiled in a power struggle over the girl.
One of the most beautifully and interestingly shot movies ever made is also one of the most tense, astounding when you take into account how little "action" actually takes place in the movie. A moody maasterpiece.

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review by: date: 2002-12-07 rating:
Watch this
It is hard to imagine a more rounded, tense and beautifully shot directorial debut than this Polanski Classic. His genious is clear. The story ambiguous, gripping and at times painful. This psychological thriller subtely imbues a true sense of fear and unknown. A must for anyone who is interested in human interaction.


review by: date: 2001-02-27 rating:
Wonderful
The three protagonists are excellent - they maintain a strong sense of frustration and sexual tension throughout and the childish one-upmanship between Andrjez and the unnamed hiker is most amusing. I would recommend this to anyone, whether or not they would usually choose to watch a foreign language film.

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Video . Video . Categories . Horror & Suspense . Thrillers
Video . Video . Categories . Horror & Suspense . Psychological Thrillers
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Video . DVD & VHS . Refinements . BBFC Rating (intended_use_browse-bin) . PG
Video . DVD & VHS . Refinements . Release Date (feature_three_browse-bin) . 1960 - 1969
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