Big Shar (1983)
A compelling Polish drama about an underground poker hustler who takes a young cab driver under his wing after walking out of prison.
Big Shar - Movie Information
- Original Title: Wielki Szu
- Release Year: 1983
- Directed by: Sylwester Chęciński
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: Polish
- Spoken Languages: Polish
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 16, 1983 (Poland)
- Production Companies: Zespół Filmowy Kadr
- Production Countries: Poland
Big Shar - Plot
Fresh out of prison, a seasoned poker hustler finds himself teaching the trade to a young cab driver chasing his first big win.
Big Shar - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sylwester Chęciński
Main Cast
- Jan Nowicki
- Andrzej Pieczyński
- Dorota Pomykała
- Leon Niemczyk
- Grażyna Szapołowska
- Karol Strasburger
- Teresa Sawicka
- Jan Frycz
- Grażyna Trela
- Jerzy Bończak
Writers
- Jan Purzycki
Big Shar - FAQs
What is Big Shar about?
Big Shar follows a veteran card shark and poker hustler who, after being released from prison, takes a young taxi driver under his wing. Together they navigate the underground world of high-stakes gambling, exploring themes of mentorship, ambition, and the moral costs of living outside the law.
Who plays the lead role in Big Shar?
Jan Nowicki plays the title role of 'Wielki Szu', the charismatic and seasoned poker hustler at the center of the story. Andrzej Pieczyński co-stars as Jurek, the ambitious young cab driver who becomes his protégé in the underground gambling world.
Who directed Big Shar?
Big Shar was directed by Sylwester Chęciński, a prominent Polish filmmaker widely known for his work in Polish cinema. The film was produced by Zespół Filmowy Kadr and released in Poland on May 16, 1983.
Is Big Shar based on a true story?
Big Shar is not based on a specific true story. It is a fictional drama written by Jan Purzycki, though it draws on the authentic atmosphere of underground card-playing culture in communist-era Poland, lending the film a grounded and credible sense of realism.
What genre is Big Shar?
Big Shar is a drama. Set against the backdrop of Poland's underground gambling scene in the early 1980s, the film blends character study with crime-adjacent tension, exploring themes of loyalty, deception, and the pursuit of easy money in a morally ambiguous world.
How long is Big Shar?
Big Shar has a runtime of 96 minutes, or 1 hour and 36 minutes. The film was released in Poland on May 16, 1983, and was produced by Zespół Filmowy Kadr under the direction of Sylwester Chęciński.
Who are the main actors in Big Shar?
The main cast includes Jan Nowicki, Andrzej Pieczyński, Dorota Pomykała, Leon Niemczyk, Grażyna Szapołowska, Karol Strasburger, Teresa Sawicka, Jan Frycz, Grażyna Trela, and Jerzy Bończak, representing some of the most respected names in Polish cinema of that era.
What are movies similar to Big Shar?
If you enjoyed Big Shar, you may also like Sexmission (1984) and In Desert and Wilderness (1973), both notable Polish productions. For international titles with similar themes of ambition and moral complexity, Paris, Texas (1984) and The Man from Earth (2007) are worth exploring.
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