Romantics

An intimate psychological drama set in the winter of 1848, telling the story of two brothers waiting for the opportunity to join General Bem’s forces in Hungary. Their stay at a noble manor becomes a test of character and leads to a painful confrontation of attitudes, ideals, and emotions. Władysław and Henryk are hiding at the Nawrocki estate in the Poznań region, waiting for an emissary to guide them to the revolutionary units. However, Henryk falls in love with Emilka, the hosts’ ward, sparking a growing conflict—especially since the Nawrocki heir harbors feelings for her as well. The atmosphere is further poisoned by the estranged marriage of the estate owners: she despises her husband as a vulgar brute, while he cannot forgive her for bearing an illegitimate child with the forester. When Henryk decides, regardless of the consequences, to run away with Emilka, tragedy ensues. In a fit of passion, he kills his rival and is arrested by the Prussian gendarmes. Władysław, meanwhile, loyal to their original mission, pursues the plan alone and makes his way to General Bem’s troops.