Legiony, also known as The Legions, is a Polish historical drama film directed by Dariusz Gajewski, released in 2019. The film tells the story of a group of soldiers who served in the Polish Legions during World War I. The movie is not a documentary but rather a fictionalization of events based on the real lives of the legionnaires. The use of authentic costumes, weapons, and sets adds a touch of realism to the movie.
The main character is Józek, a young man who deserts from the Russian army in order to join the Polish Legions. He is portrayed by Sebastian Fabijański, who does an excellent job of portraying a complex character torn between duty, love, and honor. Józek meets and falls in love with Ola (played by Bartosz Gelner), a member of the Women's League, whose mission is to support the Legion and care for wounded soldiers.
The love triangle that forms between Józek, Ola, and Tadek (played by Antoni Królikowski), Ola's fiancé and a member of the Shooting Team, is central to the movie's plot. It reflects the tensions and uncertainties of life during wartime, where decisions are made in the heat of battle and may have deadly consequences.
The film also depicts the leadership of Józef Piłsudski, who is played by Borys Szyc, and his critical role in establishing an independent Polish state. In addition, the movie shows the Legion's combat experiences in battles such as the Battle of Kosciuchnowka and the famous attack of uhlans at Rokitna.
Overall, Legiony is an engaging and inspirational movie that convincingly portrays the struggles of young people entering adulthood and fighting for their country during difficult times. The historical accuracy, attention to detail, and excellent acting make it a must-see film for anyone interested in Polish history or the Great War.