Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Movie review: The Art of Loving

 
 The Art of Loving is the story of Michalina Wislocka. The most famous and recognized sexologist of communist Poland, the film follows along as she struggles against oppression and patriarchy to get her book published and change how people view intimacy.

Magdalena Boczarska (Michalina), Karolina Gruszka (Patient Karolina), Kamila Kaminska (Abortionist), Piotr Adamczyk (Stach), Justyna Wasilewska (Wanda), Danuta Stenka (General's wife), Artur Barcis (Censor), Eryk Lubos (Jurek).

The Art of Loving follows the life of famous polish sexologist Michalina Wislocka as she fights oppression and patriarchy to get her book published. Her dream is to enlighten people, women initially, about the beauty and freedom of intimacy. Along the way she engages in some interesting relationships which keep the film moving along. Eventually she finds it is the power of women together that will help her realize her dream. The film does a decent job of showing how difficult it was for her to overcome those who fought against her book.

Acting was pretty good with Boczarska delivering a solid and interesting performance. Adamczyk was solid, as was Lubos who both seemed to work well with Boczarska. Wasilewska was interesting, as was Stenka and the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds feel a bit bland though that fit for the period. Dialogue is Polish so be prepared to use subtitles. Or learn Polish, your choice. That said, dialogue could have used a bit more depth and less assumption. Sound and soundtrack are appropriate.

The rumor of alternative relationships in the film is what drew me in but sadly they aren't represented well. Rather than ethical, they look convenient and experience substantial difficulties. As the story of Michalina's book however the film does a good job and is somewhat interesting. Those hoping for a solid, in-depth biography may be disappointed.

With substantial graphic sexuality and nudity, save this for adults and above.

Released: 2017
Reviewed: 4.19.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Biography, Drama, International Drama, Biographical drama, Dramas based on Books

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

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