The Deluge

The Deluge

Year: 1974

Runtime: 287 mins

Language: Polish

Director: Jerzy Hoffman

AdventureWarRomanceHistory

In the midst of the 17th‑century Swedish invasion of Poland, known as the Deluge, the fierce warrior Andrzej Kmicic—cast as a traitor—struggles to redeem himself. Amid widespread suffering and cruelty, he fights for his homeland, seeks personal atonement, and pursues love across war‑torn Polish lands.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Deluge yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Deluge (1974)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Deluge (1974). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1655–1658

Set during the Swedish invasion known as The Deluge, the mid-17th century period was marked by brutal warfare and widespread devastation. The narrative follows a turbulent sequence of battles, sieges, and political treachery that reshape the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Amid the chaos, acts of courage and redemption drive the characters toward a decisive counterattack and restoration of honor.

Location

Poland (Billewicz estate, Butrym manor, Jasna Góra monastery), Silesia

The story centers on locations in Poland, including the Billewicz estate, the Butrym manor, and the sacred Jasna Góra monastery, with military action spanning the Silesia region. These settings anchor the aristocratic romance, local feuds, and dramatic defense against Swedish invaders. The period’s war-torn backdrop underscores the emotional and national stakes of the Deluge.

🏰 Noble estates ⚔️ War 🕍 Monastery defense

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:35

Main Characters – The Deluge (1974)

Meet the key characters of The Deluge (1974), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Andrzej Kmicic (Daniel Olbrychski)

A courageous cavalry officer whose reckless bravado triggers conflict with the Billewicz family. He undergoes a redemptive arc through war and loyalty to Poland, facing trials that test his honor. His journey includes dueling Wolodyjowski, shifting loyalties, and ultimately earning redemption through steadfast service to the homeland.

🗡️ Warrior 🛡️ Redemption 💥 Impulsive

Oleńka Billewiczówna-Paculanka (Małgorzata Braunek)

The noblewoman betrothed to Kmicic, torn between love and family expectations. She is briefly coerced by circumstances and captured by Bogusław before escaping, ultimately choosing to forgive and marry Kmicic after the royal decree clears him. Her resilience frames the personal cost of wartime loyalties.

💍 Noblewoman ❤️ Love & loyalty 🕊️ Forgiveness

Jan II Casimir Vasa (Piotr Pawłowski)

The young king who leads the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and rewards loyalty with command. His decisive royal decree absolves Kmicic, reinforcing the idea that rightful leadership and courage can restore honor. He anchors the political will to resist Swedish aggression.

👑 Leadership 🏛️ Monarchy 🛡️ Duty

Stefan Czarniecki (Wiesław Gołas)

A seasoned hetman who directs the counteroffensive against the Swedes. He coordinates the defense of key positions and unites Polish forces in the Deluge, embodying strategic leadership and national loyalty.

🛡️ Patriotism 🗡️ Military ⚔️ War

Bogusław Radziwiłł (Leszek Teleszyński)

Nobleman who betrays the Commonwealth by allying with Sweden and pursuing Olenka. His treachery drives the conflict and culminates in direct confrontation with Kmicic.

💔 Betrayal 👑 Nobility ⚔️ Duel

Marynia Gasztowtówna-Paculanka (Anna Seniuk)

A noblewoman who influences Olenka’s decisions and embodies traditional values amid war. She represents the family’s stake in the fate of their lands and loved ones.

👸 Nobility 🗣️ Influence 💡 Insight

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:35

Major Themes – The Deluge (1974)

Explore the central themes of The Deluge (1974), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Redemption

Kmicic begins as a reckless cavalry officer whose bravado leads to conflict, but his path evolves through trials and loyalty to the homeland. His fortunes rise and fall as he proves his worth in battle and service to Poland. The arc culminates in acts of bravery that redeem his name and restore his place within the national cause.

💔 Betrayal

Radziwiłł’s alliance with Sweden and the noble scheming against the Commonwealth expose the fragility of loyalties during The Deluge. Bogusław Radziwiłł’s manipulation and pursuit of power intensify the conflict and strain personal bonds. The theme underscores how treachery threatens both individuals and nation alike.

🎖️ Patriotism

Defensive campaigns, the defense of Jasna Góra, and royal recognition frame patriotism as a communal duty. The characters unite to repel invaders, culminating in a counteroffensive that rekindles national pride. Heroism here blends courage, sacrifice, and steadfast loyalty to crown and homeland.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:35

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Deluge

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Deluge in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Deluge is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Deluge Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Deluge, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Deluge Summary

The Deluge Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Deluge with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Deluge Timeline

More About The Deluge

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Deluge: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Deluge