Directed by Xawery Żuławski, the movie, entitled Kulej: Two Sides of the Medal, brings to life the story of the two-time Olympic gold medalist and double European champion.
The movie celebrates a sports icon and explores a dynamic period in Polish history, making it a potentially compelling watch for both sports enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural and political landscape of 1960s Poland.
Featuring Tomasz Włosok in the title role, Kulej: Two Sides of the Medal blends elements of love, boxing, rock'n'roll, and the intertwining of sports with politics.
Włosok, an up-and-coming actor known for roles in productions such as the alternative history Netflix series 1983, underwent extensive boxing training to authentically portray the light welterweight champion's style.
A skilled kickboxer, he also practiced movement choreography and dance to accurately represent the fighting style of the time.
Tomasz Włosok. Photo: Polish Radio/PR2
In addition to directing, Żuławski co-wrote the screenplay with Rafał Lipski, with cinematography by the much-awarded Marian Prokop, known for numerous film and TV works.
Polish film director Xawery Żuławski. Photo: Magda Żelazowska/Polskie Radio
Kulej, produced by Watchout Studio, focuses on the period between 1964 and 1968, capturing the Polish boxer's triumphs at the Tokyo and Mexico Olympics.
It is not just a story of his sports achievements; it delves into the colorful era, the ups and downs of Kulej's marriage, and his personal challenges. The narrative also highlights the relationship between sport, politics and society in the 1960s.
Michalina Olszańska stars as Helena Kulej, Jerzy's wife. The cast includes Andrzej Chyra as the legendary coach Feliks "Papa" Stamm and Tomasz Kot as the head of Warsaw's Gwardia sports club.
Source: IAR, PAP