Following the success of her debut feature, Provincial Actors, Agnieszka Holland made Fever, based on a story by Andrzej Strug. However, soon after its release martial law was declared in Poland and the Polish Communist government banned it. Focusing on Polish resistance to Russian forces at the time of the 1905 Revolution Fever shows a period of complex relationships through inter-woven stories. The narrative follows a series of individuals who work collaboratively towards taking down the old order (specifically a much hated Russian Governor-General) and the journey of the bomb that they hope will be decisive in their struggle.
Acclaimed for many outstanding performances, watch out for Bogusław Linda, who appears as an anarchist in his first major role (a key part in Holland’s A Woman Alone was soon to follow) and Barbara Grabowska, who won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival.
