Cold War is a romantic drama film directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, set in the 1950s and early 1960s during the Cold War era in Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia, and Paris. The main protagonists are Wiktor, a musician and conductor, and Zula, a singer and performer.
Wiktor is a musical director who is scouting for talent for a folk music and dance ensemble designed to showcase Polish culture to the world. Zula, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty, auditions for him and soon they develop a passionate and complex relationship.
Despite Wiktor's better judgment, they enter into a love affair that takes them on a journey across different countries, each of which serves as a backdrop to their turbulent romance. The couple's hopes, dreams, and beliefs clash as they face the challenges of politics, ideology, and historical events that shape their lives.
Their love is intense, yet fraught with conflicts arising from Zula's past, which makes her resentful, bitter, and rebellious. Her difficult upbringing, abusive father, and mistakes in the past push her into self-harm and drug abuse.
The musical score is a captivating fusion of traditional folk tunes and jazz, and the film is shot in striking black and white, emphasizing the stark contrast between the glamour and bleakness of their lives.
Cold War was screened at the Cannes Film Festival and earned critical acclaim for its stylized cinematography, direction, and performances. It has been nominated for several awards, including the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Director.