“Go ahead, brother”: I haven’t seen such good action scenes in Polish cinema [RECENZJA]

Screenwriter Kacper Wysocki and director Maciej Pieprzyca have, among others, in their filmographies: “Kruka”, “Klangor”, “Feedback” or “Belfra”. It’s a solid CV. When it was announced that they would collaborate on a new Netflix series, the audience and journalists started rubbing their hands.

Oskar Gwiazda is a policeman from AT. We meet him when he takes part in a seemingly routine action. Unfortunately, he suddenly has a panic attack, everything starts to fall apart, and the result is the death of one of the unit members. The star loses his job, his colleagues blame him and don’t want to know, and he soon loses his father.

Robert Pałka, Netflix / mat. press Piotr Witkowski in the series “Go ahead, brother”

The hero takes over his inheritance, of course along with debts to banks and moneylenders. Out of respect for his father, he wants to save the house (“It’s more than just a pile of bricks”), but this means that the money has to be obtained in a different way. A new job as a security guard in a large shopping mall gives you a hint – you can rob dishonest people. At the same time, he would help his older sister and brother-in-law, his best friend.

Oskar is an intelligent guy, with a lot of charm, but at the same time hot-headed and arrogant. He makes one bad decision after another, dragging his loved ones down in the process. You can feel sorry for him – he had a hard life, he experienced trauma, everyone turned away from him. At the same time, however, he is difficult to like. This is a problem mainly in the first two episodes. The protagonist, instead of intriguing, only irritates. The not very credible love story doesn’t help either.

Moreover, “Go Ahead, Brother” presents the typical problems of Polish productions – some dialogues cannot be heard (especially in the case of one actor with a speech impediment and those playing with a Ukrainian accent), the editing is confusing (what were those strange musical sequences about? ), and the soundtrack is… bland and monotonous.

Robert Pałka, Netflix / mat. press Piotr Witkowski and Konrad Eleryk in the series “Go ahead, brother”

“Go ahead, brother”: keeps you on the edge of your seat

However, Wysocki and Pieprzyca’s series has a pretty good script. The avalanche caused by Oskar’s stupid decision brings a bloody toll, and his family becomes involved in the case. The story develops dynamically and has interesting side plots.

Not all character motivations are convincing, which has a negative impact on the criminal aspect. There are also some absurd solutions. But Wysocki does a great job of drawing the social background and exploring the psyche of the characters, including those in the background. We observe the injustice of the world, whose victims are honest people – those wronged by life are close to giving up, but are still looking for a ray of hope. It’s a real, moving portrait.

Robert Pałka, Netflix / mat. press Marcin Kowalczyk in the series “Go ahead, brother”

What makes this production above average are the action scenes. I don’t think I’ve seen such good ones in Polish cinema! Sure, one could complain that the fights are too heavily choreographed and resemble a choreography in the style of kung-fu movies, but they still make an amazing impression. And what happens in episode three just keeps you on the edge of your seat for a good half hour. Michael Mann would not be ashamed of some scenes from this series.

“Go ahead, brother”: gives chills to the viewer

Piotr Witkowski, who plays the main role, has already become a permanent actor on Netflix. It would be difficult to count how many titles from this platform you can see him in today. I know that some critics and viewers strongly criticize him, but here he bursts the screen with his charisma. This look is magnetic! He is real both in scenes of despair and helplessness, and when he carries out his task with a cool head and methodically. She is most touching when she shows her warm face next to her beloved Jewa.

Robert Pałka, Netflix / mat. press Aleksandra Adamska in the series “Go ahead, brother”

Konrad Eleryk as Sylwek, Star’s friend and brother-in-law, exudes self-control and great love for his wife. Together with Witkowski, they had to undergo quite a lot of training – testosterone is boiling. Marcin Kowalczyk is interesting as a ruthless gangster, with human reflexes appearing from time to time. But the biggest surprise here is Aleksandra Adamska as Oskar’s sister. Her heroine is going through hell and you can feel it with every inch of her face. When at one point he lets out a cry of despair, the viewer shivers. A daring performance, so different from what she showed in “Skazana” and “Pati”.

This is not a flawless series, but compared to other Polish Netflix productions it is more than good. We got a title that is not only engaging, but can also interest us in the characters and the world presented. And at times it’s downright delightful. This is not a small thing at all. I’m sure “Go Ahead, Brother” will find a large fan base.

"Go Ahead, Brother": A Polished Polish Production?

Ah, a new Netflix series – "Go Ahead, Brother" – is upon us, and it’s brimming with twists, turns, and perhaps a touch more family drama than a Thanksgiving dinner gone awry. Directed by Maciej Pieprzyca and penned by Kacper Wysocki, who have previously worked on titles like "Kruka" and "Belfra", expectations are sky-high. You’d think they were gearing up to pilot the next SpaceX mission with the enthusiasm critics have for their collaboration!

So, let’s dive right in. We meet Oskar Gwiazda, our flawed but charming police officer hero. You know the type—smart, arrogant, and hot-headed, much like the guy who steals the last biscuit and justifies it by saying he’s "really on a diet." Unfortunately, Oskar’s story begins not with a bang but rather an embarrassing whimper as he crumbles during a routine operation, leading to someone else’s untimely demise. Cue the world’s tiniest violin!

After a melodramatic job loss and an avalanche of personal tragedies—his father kicks the bucket too—Oskar inherits not just a house, but a mountain of debt. Because nothing says “welcome to adulthood” like being buried under financial burdens and familial obligations. His new security job at a shopping mall? It’s a cheeky opportunity—rob the robbers! And just like that, Oskar’s life spirals faster than my attempts to find a decent wi-fi connection in a café!

As our protagonist stumbles through numerous poor decisions, littering them with the momentum of a bowling ball in a china shop, one might feel an awkward blend of sympathy and annoyance. Here’s a lad with a tough backstory—not one to be left out in the cold—but instead of rooting for him, you’re left cringing at his many missteps. Not a great look in the first two episodes. And can we talk about the romance? It’s as believable as my attempt to convince my dog he wasn’t on the naughty list!

Now, as we plow through the series, one cannot deny that "Go Ahead, Brother" captures the essence of Polish drama, complete with the charm of mumbling actors and editing that feels like it was conceived during a 2 AM caffeine binge. And let’s not even start on the music—my goodness! I’ve heard elevator music with more pizzazz!

However, don’t toss this series aside just yet! What saves it from the depths of mediocrity is a commendable script. The series peaks when Oskar’s harebrained ideas spiral into chaos and bloodshed, pulling his family further into the mess. The pacing is dynamic, and aside from some character motivations feeling less than believable, the social realities layered throughout the narrative create a poignant tableau. It’s a moving portrayal of despair in a world that constantly hands out lemons, but for Oskar, it looks like a whole orchard!

But let’s not forget about the action sequences—if you’re a fan of fast-paced thrills, buckle up! The fight choreography raises the bar for Polish cinema. I mean, who knew our dear Polish productions had it in them? It’s so good you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for something Michael Mann might concoct!

Moreover, Piotr Witkowski, as Oskar, proves to be a magnet on-screen, oscillating between deep vulnerability and charming self-assuredness. His performance pulls you back in despite the character’s flaws. And may I say, watching him next to his sister exemplified sibling support—that warm and fuzzy feeling, too rare these days.

As the cast unfolds with characters who are intriguingly flawed—Konrad Eleryk’s steadfast brother-in-law and a surprisingly riveting performance by Aleksandra Adamska as Oskar’s sister—you might find yourself rooting for them even in their most desperate moments.

Now, is "Go Ahead, Brother" flawless? No, it’s like a rough diamond—plenty of sparkle, but still a bit jagged around the edges. Yet, compared to other Polish Netflix offerings, it stands tall and proud, ready for its close-up. An engaging watch that tackles the complexities of life, family, and moral quandaries with just enough flare to keep you guessing. I can’t help but think this series could carve out a sizable fan base—after all, everyone loves a good dose of drama sprinkled with chaos!

So, grab your popcorn and settle in. "Go Ahead, Brother" promises to keep your heart racing and your popcorn disappearing faster than you can say "let’s binge-watch!"

Compelling⁤ juxtaposition of humor and hardship, balancing the absurdity‍ of ‌Oskar’s​ actions with the weight of his consequences. There lies ‍a certain charm in its absurdity; it’s ⁣reminiscent of those old Polish folklore tales⁣ where ​the protagonists find themselves‌ in ⁤over-the-top predicaments yet manage to stumble through with humor and heart.

The character development grows on you, too! ⁣As scattered and flawed as they are, we begin ‌to root for Oskar and the quirky⁢ ensemble—his supportive sister, the skeptical best friend, and even the​ offbeat mall security team. They⁤ each bring their own ​flavor to the story, and as Oskar ⁣drags them deeper into his chaotic world, you can’t help ⁤but feel a sense of ​camaraderie. They exude a charm that’s difficult to resist, even when their choices leave you shaking your head in disbelief.

To wrap it all up, “Go Ahead, Brother” stands as⁤ a testament that while it might not be the ‍flawless series Netflix⁤ hoped to deliver, it holds‍ its own against the backdrop of Polish television. It’s engaging, at times laugh-out-loud funny, and yes, it finds a way to make you care about its characters drenched in turmoil. So, grab‌ your popcorn and prepare for a rollercoaster ⁢of emotions—you might ‍just find that this freshly polished gem is worth your time and‌ investment after all.