Korczak (1990)
Andrzej Wajda's powerful tribute to a man who chose conscience over survival, and dignity over despair.
Korczak - Movie Information
- Original Title: Korczak
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: Andrzej Wajda
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History, War
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: Polish
- Spoken Languages: German, Polish
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 6, 1990 (Poland), April 12, 1991 (United States), March 21, 1991 (Germany - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Dr. Korczak (NO)
- Production Companies: ZDF, BBC, Erato Films, Erbograph Co., Telmar Films Intl., Studio Filmowe Perspektywa, Ziegler Film
- Production Countries: Germany, Poland, United Kingdom
Korczak - Plot
The story of Polish pedagogue Janusz Korczak and his dedication to protecting Jewish orphans during the war.
Korczak - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this landmark work of Polish cinema:
Where to Watch Korczak
Looking for where to watch Korczak?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Korczak - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Andrzej Wajda
Main Cast
- Wojciech Pszoniak
- Ewa Dałkowska
- Teresa Budzisz-Krzyżanowska
- Marzena Trybała
- Piotr Kozłowski
- Zbigniew Zamachowski
- Jan Peszek
- Aleksander Bardini
- Maria Chwalibóg
- Andrzej Kopiczyński
Writers
- Agnieszka Holland
Producers
- Daniel Toscan du Plantier
- Regina Ziegler
- Janusz Morgenstern
Korczak - FAQs
Is Korczak based on a true story?
Yes, Korczak is based on the true story of Janusz Korczak, the pen name of Henryk Goldszmit, a renowned Polish-Jewish pedagogue, author, and children's rights advocate. He famously refused to abandon the orphans in his care and accompanied them to the Treblinka extermination camp in 1942.
Why did Korczak refuse to abandon his orphans?
Janusz Korczak was offered safe passage out of the Warsaw Ghetto on multiple occasions but refused every time. His lifelong commitment to children's dignity and welfare made it unthinkable for him to save himself while leaving the children behind. He walked with them to the trains and to their deaths.
Who are the main actors in Korczak?
The film stars Wojciech Pszoniak as Janusz Korczak, with Ewa Dałkowska as Stefania Wilczynska, Teresa Budzisz-Krzyżanowska, Marzena Trybała, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Jan Peszek, and Aleksander Bardini among the principal cast.
When was Korczak released?
Korczak had its Polish premiere on May 6, 1990. It was subsequently released in Germany on March 21, 1991, and reached the United States on April 12, 1991.
What is Korczak about?
Korczak chronicles the final years of Janusz Korczak, a beloved Polish-Jewish educator who ran an orphanage in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. The film portrays his tireless efforts to preserve the children's dignity and humanity in the face of Nazi persecution and ultimate deportation.
Who directed Korczak and who wrote the screenplay?
Korczak was directed by the legendary Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda, one of cinema's most celebrated directors of historical and wartime drama. The screenplay was written by Agnieszka Holland, herself a distinguished director and frequent collaborator with Wajda.
Where can you stream Korczak?
Korczak is available to stream for free on Kanopy, a library-supported streaming platform. For a full and up-to-date list of viewing options in your region, you can check JustWatch.
How long is Korczak and what genre is it?
Korczak runs for 115 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes. The film belongs to the Drama, History, and War genres, and is presented in black and white, a deliberate stylistic choice by director Andrzej Wajda to evoke the documentary gravity of the period.
More About Korczak
Explore further details about Korczak on these authoritative resources: