Sztos (1997)
A sharp Polish crime caper about two ex-cons, a crooked deal, and a revenge plan that takes on a life of its own.
Sztos - Movie Information
- Original Title: Sztos
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Olaf Lubaszenko
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Action
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: Polish
- Spoken Languages: Polish
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 22, 1997 (Poland)
- Production Companies: Polsat, Sting, Agencja Produkcji Filmowej, CANAL+ Polska
- Production Countries: Poland
Sztos - Plot
Two friends recall the PRL. After serving time in jail, they took up an illegal currency exchange. Cheated by partner - they decide to take revenge. Preparations take many months, but the action ends differently than it was planned.
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Sztos - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Olaf Lubaszenko
Main Cast
- Jan Nowicki
- Cezary Pazura
- Ewa Gawryluk
- Krzysztof Zaleski
- Leon Niemczyk
- Jerzy Kolasa
- Agnieszka Sitek
- Henryk Bista
- Dariusz Kordek
- Edward Linde-Lubaszenko
Writers
- Jerzy Kolasa
Sztos - FAQs
What is Sztos about?
Sztos follows two old friends who reminisce about life under communist Poland before turning to illegal currency exchange after prison. When a crooked partner swindles them, they spend months plotting an elaborate revenge — only for the plan to unravel in ways neither of them expected.
Does Sztos have an unexpected or ironic ending?
Yes — the film deliberately subverts expectations. The revenge scheme that Eryk and Kazik spend months carefully constructing doesn't go according to plan, and the ending carries a darkly comic, ironic twist that's very much in keeping with the film's tone and its portrait of post-communist Polish street life.
What roles do Cezary Pazura and Jan Nowicki play?
Cezary Pazura plays Kazik 'Synek' Czarnecki, the street-smart younger half of the duo, while Jan Nowicki portrays Eryk, his more seasoned partner. Their contrasting personalities and shared criminal past drive the film's central dynamic and give Sztos much of its energy and humor.
Is Sztos connected to the PRL era in Poland?
Very much so. The film opens with the two protagonists looking back on life under the PRL — the Polish People's Republic — and the gray-market hustles that defined that era. This nostalgic framing gives the story its cultural texture and explains how the characters ended up in the criminal underworld.
Who directed Sztos and what is the film's background?
Sztos was directed by Olaf Lubaszenko and released in Poland on August 22, 1997. Written by Jerzy Kolasa, who also appears in the cast, the film was produced with support from Polsat, CANAL+ Polska, and Agencja Produkcji Filmowej, making it a notable entry in 1990s Polish popular cinema.
Who are the main actors in Sztos?
The cast is led by Jan Nowicki and Cezary Pazura as the two central con men, with Ewa Gawryluk, Krzysztof Zaleski, and the veteran Leon Niemczyk rounding out the principal roles. Edward Linde-Lubaszenko also appears as the colorful character known as 'Markiz.'
What genre is Sztos and who is it for?
Sztos blends Crime and Action with a distinctly Polish flavor of dark comedy. It appeals to fans of caper films and revenge thrillers, as well as viewers interested in post-communist Eastern European cinema. The fast pace and charismatic leads make it an accessible and entertaining watch.
What films are similar to Sztos?
If you enjoyed Sztos, you might also like How I Became a Gangster (2019), another stylish Eastern European crime film, or The International (2009) for its thriller energy. Empire (2002) and The System (2022) offer similarly gritty takes on criminal schemes and street-level power plays.
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