The Ashes

Rafał Olbromski (D. Olbrychski), a young nobleman, leaves his family estate to take part in the turbulent events of the Napoleonic era. First, he serves as a secretary to Prince Gintułt (P. Wysocki), and under his influence, he joins a Masonic lodge. His love for Helena (P. Raksa), the wife of a lodge member, ends in tragedy. Rafał, together with his friend Krzysztof Cedro (B. Kierc), joins Napoleon’s army, and the fortunes of war separate them: Rafał is sent to Raszyn, Krzysztof to Somosierra. The film depicts the brutality of war, contrasting the romantic ideals of the heroes with the cruelty of historical realities, while the veteran’s blindness can be interpreted as a symbol of the dashed hopes of the Polish people. Wajda transformed Stefan Żeromski’s novel into a series of vivid scenes, creating a film like a moving tableau.