The Polka King

Year: 2018

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Maya Forbes

BiographyDramaComedy

This outrageous true story follows Polish émigré Jan Lewan, whose boundless energy and shrewdness lead him from owning a small shop to becoming the self-proclaimed "King of Pennsylvania Polka" in the early 1990s. Driven by the American Dream, Lewan’s charismatic charm captivates his wife, Marla, and his loyal sidekick, Mickey. However, his relentless pursuit comes at a significant cost, ultimately leaving them both reeling from unexpected consequences.

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Timeline & Setting – The Polka King (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Polka King (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Pennsylvania, Rome

Pennsylvania serves as a vibrant backdrop for Jan's polka band, where music and community intertwine. It's known for its rich cultural heritage, often celebrating its diverse immigrant population through lively festivities. In contrast, Rome represents a grand opportunity for Jan, as he seeks to create unforgettable experiences, including a private audience with the Pope, linking the beauty of polka to the grandeur of the eternal city.

🌆 Pennsylvania 🌍 Rome

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:24

Main Characters – The Polka King (2018)

Meet the key characters of The Polka King (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:24

Major Themes – The Polka King (2018)

Explore the central themes of The Polka King (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:24

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Movies about charming frauds like The Polka King

Follow the irresistible rise and sobering fall of ambitious con artists.Explore movies like The Polka King that feature charismatic figures engaged in financial fraud. If you enjoyed the story of Jan Lewan's rise and fall, you'll find similar tales of ambition, deception, and downfall in these biographical dramas and comedies.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a 'rise and fall' arc, beginning with a charismatic individual's ambitious schemes. Their success is intoxicating but built on deception, leading to an eventual collapse that examines the personal and financial wreckage left behind. The journey balances admiration for the hustle with a clear-eyed view of its consequences.

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Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on entrepreneurial but ultimately fraudulent characters. They share a bittersweet tone, a steady pacing that unfolds the con methodically, and a medium intensity that acknowledges the drama without being relentlessly heavy, often using humor to offset the gravity.

Bittersweet biography movies similar to The Polka King

True stories of ambitious visionaries undone by their own fatal flaws.Find more bittersweet biography movies like The Polka King. These films tell true stories of ambitious, flawed individuals, balancing their creative drive with the consequences of their actions, perfect for viewers who enjoy character-driven dramas based on real events.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a linear, often chronological, account of a real person's life, highlighting their defining passion or dream. The story invests in their success and charm but steadily introduces the compromises and hubris that trigger their downfall. The ending typically reflects a mixed legacy—loss of freedom or relationships, but sometimes a lingering spark of their original spirit.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared foundation in true stories, a bittersweet tone that refuses simple hero worship, and a moderate complexity that explores character flaws within a straightforward narrative. They possess a medium emotional weight, finding a balance between drama and the accessibility often provided by comedic or energetic elements.

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The Polka King Summary

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The Polka King Timeline

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The Polka King Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About The Polka King

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