A Woman's Decision (1975)
Krzysztof Zanussi's quietly devastating Polish drama about a woman standing at the crossroads of habit and the life she never dared to live.
A Woman's Decision - Movie Information
- Original Title: Bilans kwartalny
- Release Year: 1975
- Directed by: Krzysztof Zanussi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: Polish
- Spoken Languages: Polish
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 21, 1975 (Poland)
- Alternative Titles: Quarterly Balance (US)
- Production Companies: Studio Filmowe Tor
- Production Countries: Poland
A Woman's Decision - Plot
The main character is a bookkeeper, 40, who lives a quiet, uninteresting life with her husband and son of school age. She realizes that soon she won't be needed much at home as the boy grows up and the relationship with her husband crumbles. It's only when an embezzlement is discovered at the office and she stands up to her management, that she realizes life has more to offer. She meets a well-off former classmate, married to an American. Then she meets Jacek and starts contemplating possibilities of a new start. She discovers love for the first time, but turns to old ways rather than to break loose.
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A Woman's Decision - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Krzysztof Zanussi
Main Cast
- Maja Komorowska
- Piotr Fronczewski
- Marek Piwowski
- Zofia Mrozowska
- Halina Mikołajska
- Mariusz Dmochowski
- Barbara Wrzesińska
- Chip Taylor
- Eugenia Herman
- Elżbieta Karkoszka
Writers
- Krzysztof Zanussi
A Woman's Decision - FAQs
What is A Woman's Decision about?
A Woman's Decision follows Marta, a 40-year-old Polish bookkeeper whose quiet, routine life begins to unravel. As her marriage cools and her son grows more independent, a workplace embezzlement scandal and a new romantic connection force her to confront whether she has the courage to truly change her life.
Does Marta leave her old life behind at the end?
Despite discovering love and glimpsing a different future through her relationship with Jacek, Marta ultimately retreats to her familiar routines. The film's quiet, unsettling ending suggests that the pull of habit and security can be stronger than the desire for personal freedom — a hallmark of Zanussi's moral cinema.
Who directed A Woman's Decision and what is his style?
Krzysztof Zanussi directed the film. One of Poland's most celebrated filmmakers, Zanussi is known for his intellectually rigorous, morally probing dramas. His work often examines ordinary people facing ethical crossroads, and A Woman's Decision is a strong example of his restrained, psychologically precise approach to storytelling.
Who plays the lead role in A Woman's Decision?
Maja Komorowska plays Marta, the film's central character. Komorowska is one of the most respected actresses in Polish cinema, known for her nuanced, deeply internalized performances. Her portrayal of Marta's quiet desperation and hesitant awakening is widely considered the emotional core of the film.
Is A Woman's Decision based on a true story?
No, A Woman's Decision is not based on a specific true story. Krzysztof Zanussi wrote the original screenplay, drawing on observations of everyday Polish life under socialism. The film's realism comes from its sharply observed social detail rather than from any single documented event or real person.
What themes does A Woman's Decision explore?
The film digs into themes of personal stagnation, moral courage, and the tension between security and self-fulfillment. It also touches on gender roles in socialist Poland, the quiet erosion of marriage, and the difficulty of genuine change — questions that remain deeply relevant well beyond their 1970s Polish context.
Who composed the music for A Woman's Decision?
The score was composed by Wojciech Kilar, one of Poland's most celebrated film composers, also known for his work on Bram Stoker's Dracula and The Pianist. His music for A Woman's Decision complements Zanussi's understated visual style, adding emotional texture without overwhelming the film's quiet, introspective tone.
What are some films similar to A Woman's Decision?
If A Woman's Decision resonates with you, consider exploring Fugue (2018), a similarly introspective Polish drama about identity and reinvention, or The Girl in the Book (2015) and Strange Weather (2016), which share the film's focus on women navigating unfulfilled lives and the courage — or inability — to break free.
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