Cold War

In the year 1949, a passionate trio consisting of composer Wiktor, choreographer Irena, and manager Kaczmarek set forth on a journey through post-WWII Poland. Their mission was to collect regional folk songs and dances, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of a war-torn countryside.

The trio travels to various rural communities, collecting captivating folk melodies and dances. Despite Kaczmarek's skepticism about the commercial viability of their project, they remain dedicated to preserving these traditional art forms.

In an effort to form a vibrant dance ensemble, auditions are held in an abandoned palatial venue. During these auditions, Wiktor meets Zula, whose extraordinary singing talent immediately captures his attention.

As Wiktor gets to know Zula, he learns of her tumultuous past, including a stint in prison related to a traumatic incident involving her father. This revelation adds depth to their growing connection, revealing Zula's struggles.

By 1951, after two years of rehearsals, the ensemble presents a performance in Warsaw that is met with great enthusiasm. This accomplishment serves as a high point for the trio, particularly for Wiktor and Zula.

Following their success, they are pressured by a government official to create a show that glorifies the communist regime. This conflict creates tension within the group, especially for Irena, who strongly opposes the direction.

Amidst the mounting pressure, Wiktor decides to escape Poland for France, planning to meet Zula near a border crossing in East Berlin. His hopes are high for a future together, but uncertainty looms.

At the border, Zula ultimately has a change of heart and does not join Wiktor, leaving him to cross into West Berlin alone. This heartbreaking decision marks a significant turning point in their relationship.

By 1954, Wiktor has found work at a jazz bar named L'Eclipse in Paris. He receives a heartfelt letter from Zula expressing her desire to see him, leading to an emotional reunion filled with unresolved feelings.

In 1955, while visiting Zula in Yugoslavia, Wiktor runs into Kaczmarek. Their meeting takes a negative turn when Kaczmarek informs the authorities about Wiktor, resulting in his deportation back to France.

By 1957, Zula pays a visit to Wiktor at his studio, confessing her marriage to an Italian. Despite this revelation, their passionate affair reignites, complicated by Zula's jealousy of Wiktor's former lover, Juliette.

The relationship between Wiktor and Zula takes a turn for the worse following a chaotic night fueled by alcohol and confrontation with Juliette. Their bond is strained further as secrets of infidelity come to light.

In a heart-wrenching decision, Zula returns to Poland after realizing the depth of her troubles in France. Meanwhile, Wiktor faces his own challenges as he attempts to reunite with her, contemplating illegal means to cross borders.

In 1959, during an attempt to re-enter Poland, Wiktor is detained and faces a brutal 15-year prison sentence that leaves him unable to play the piano again. Zula vows to use her connections to secure his release.

Finally released in 1964, Wiktor marries Zula in a dilapidated church, but their future remains uncertain. The film ends on an ambiguous note, leaving viewers to question whether they choose to take their lives together in despair.