Red Poppies (2024) Movie Script

Look at him flee!
Thief! Thief!
An infidel!
Is he white?!
Thief! Cut his hand off!
He robbed the hospital!
Thief!
Get the thief!
Cut his hand off!
Let me go! Child-murderers!
- We've got the fox!
- What did he do?
- He's a thief! Punish him!
- By ancient custom, cut his hand off!
Let me go!
- He's still a kid, you can't do that!
- And can you steal? He'll learn!
- Stop, damn it, he's a Pole!
- A thief, not a Pole! Come on!
- What did you steal?
- Medication for my sister.
Let me go!
Get the fuck out!
Lead him out! Lead him out!
Lead him out! Quickly, quickly!
Let's go!
IRAN, THE CAMP OF POLISH CIVILIANS
EVACUATED FROM THE USSR
- Madam Inspector.
- General.
Hello.
See, everything is healing nicely.
- What's your name?
- Alicja.
Here, this is for you.
- What's with him?
- He dreams of having the eagle.
And what's there?
People with infectious diseases.
Calm down, you punk,
if I didn't want to help you...
I'll do what I have to do,
then you can cut off whatever you want.
Jdrek!
You can't go in there!
Pola! I'm here.
I got the medication.
You'll live. Do you understand?
You'll live.
General, this punk
caused some trouble with the English.
He stole medication for his sister.
But Zahorski doesn't have a sister.
ITALY, 1944.
THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE ALLIED 8TH ARMY
ITALY, MAY 1944. THE CAMP OF THE
2ND POLISH CORPS AT MONTE CASSINO
General.
Captain Stanisaw Zahorski
of the armored forces.
A veteran of the September Campaign.
Under Maczek's command?
Jordanowo, General.
The Cross of Valor...
And Maczek gets rid of
such an experienced officer?
I'm looking for my siblings, General.
They were in the USSR.
Zahorski...
I've heard this name somewhere before.
What did you eat
on the side, Baka?
The doctor will come and give you
an enema, do you know that?
How are you?
A few more buckets, Wojtek.
Wait, Wojtek.
Calm down.
What happens now?
Come on, come on.
It'd be much easier if you got off.
It'd be easier, son, if you helped.
Calm down, Wojtek.
Let me see.
Do you have any tools?
Damn, I don't know.
The engine's stalled.
- Give it to me.
- Boys, damn it, can you hurry up?
Oh, how arrogant.
It should work.
Try now.
What's up?
The gentleman is not so bad.
Did he bite you, Wojtek?
My best regards.
Can we somehow repay the favor?
You can wait for me.
It's a birthday.
Best wishes.
Not mine, but God bless you. Bye.
And remember,
hammer it into the ambulance drivers:
no faster than five miles an hour.
You two, get that stretcher.
Doctor, you coordinate.
Pola, Zosia, you know what to do.
All the best on your birthday.
This is for you. You can wind it
and then it plays music.
It jams a bit, but I'll fix it for you.
Hello, Pola?
Where did you get it?
Have you stolen again?
- You'll get in trouble again.
- There'll be no trouble. It's loot.
It's nice that you remembered,
but now go.
We have a lot of work to do here now.
You'll give me this gift next time, okay?
Will I see you later?
Give some more...
- I need more clean bandages.
- On it.
This is the first time
we've evacuated the wounded
with open abdominal wounds
under enemy fire.
- Thank you.
- You look beautiful.
Thanks for the chat,
but Pola already has a date.
We didn't agree on that, Jdrek.
Sieniawski,
3rd "Kresowa" Infantry Regiment.
Zahorski. I work with the mules.
Let's go, Pola.
- Jdrek!
- She clearly doesn't want your company.
- She's taken.
- Is there a problem?
- Alright, let's go together.
- Pola...
Are you sure about this?
- Is the kid bothering you?
- No...
Let's take him to the cooler.
Take him to the basement
so he'll cool down!
Let it go.
Zahorski! You have a visitor.
Jdrek...
- Don't you recognize me?
- Staszek!
Hi!
- I thought that...
- It's all good.
What about Helcia?
Where is she?
What about Helcia?
Is she healthy? Alive?
She's alive.
Is she here?
They sent her with other women
to the Kirghiz SSR...
Because it's warm there.
And you left her?
Many people unfit for the army
remained in the Soviet Union.
You beat up an officer.
- It was about...
- About what?
Never mind. A gram of tobacco.
You're doing well.
You're an officer.
It's good to see you.
And you're evading the frontline
by working with the mules, right?
You don't respect the uniform.
You're a hooligan.
And this?
Who did you steal it from?
Our mother raised us to be tough.
Our father died in Katy.
And you?
Corporal!
Captain Zahorski?
Bellissimo.
I'll go with you if you allow me.
- American.
- No, thank you.
- Pity. Sugar gives you strength.
- Do we know each other?
First I met your brother, Captain.
How was the meeting
after all these years?
You won't find a topic
for an uplifting story here.
My brother's in jail.
And it seems he's facing trial.
- Is he an adult?
- He'll be eighteen in November.
Then it's a waste keeping him in jail.
A smart kid with character.
I found him too late.
I met this criminal before the war.
He showed off
his literary talent in the slammer.
Have you read
Lover of the Great Bear?
If not, I recommend it.
In any case,
this criminal regained his freedom.
It somehow reminded me
of your brother working with bears...
Rather with mules.
I'll stick to what I said
if you don't mind.
Mr. Editor...
If you could help him somehow...
I can't promise anything.
Private!
Drelicharz.
Welcome to the armored forces.
We're ready for inspection.
Good day.
Jdrek...
Jdrek...
Helcia?
Helcia...
I'm hungry.
He's roaring for you.
The company can't handle him.
Bravo!
Bravo, Wojtek!
Nice of you to show up.
I have a lot of work at the hospital.
I learn something new every day.
What about you?
Did you manage to save
all those with their guts open?
Yes, all six of them survived.
Doctor Mazanowski said that
no one had managed to do it before.
Jdrek...
Adam...
I mean, Lieutenant Sieniawski...
didn't file a complaint against you.
Who?
You come here
just to tell me this?
Jdrek, I'll be back.
I hope they'll release you soon.
Take care.
Zahorski! Wash yourself
and report back in fifteen minutes!
And your signature, Mr. Editor...
A commitment that you'll make sure
he comes back at night.
That's rather obvious.
I won't put him up with that bear.
Slow down! What is it about?
You're going under
the Editor's supervision.
This is arranged with your brother
as your legal guardian.
You're still underage.
Unless you'd rather rot in here.
You're staying here, Wojtek.
Don't cry. You have to stay here.
I'll get you some food in the evening.
He was supposed to stay inside!
Has he done something to you
that requires him to be in a cage?
Then take him there yourself.
Get in.
Me?
Who else?
The mitered prelate of Trakai?
Unless you can't drive.
Have you ever
held a camera in your hand?
- No, not at all.
- Good. You won't mess it up.
Just a little bit.
That's enough, thank you.
Move it.
I understand.
The press briefing is over.
Let's go.
If we attack
the monastery hill directly,
then hills 569, 575, 593,
"Specter," and "San Angelo"
will become fortresses
in their own right.
They will finish us off,
just like they finished off
all the previous attacks.
So there's no other option
than a flanking maneuver,
depriving the monastery
of support fire.
What if we attacked from the north,
in Passo Corno?
Then we'll cut off Monte Cassino
in one fell swoop.
German defense forces
intersect at Passo Corno.
We'd have to have
at least one more brigade
if we wanted to attack so widely.
And by treating the attack
on Passo Corno separately,
we are moving too far away
from the English 13th Corps.
Yes.
And we deprive ourselves
of artillery support.
Exactly.
There's no way to get closer.
The Rapido Valley is surrounded
by German fire from Cifalco.
"The Valley of Death."
What about attacking
706, 575, and "San Angelo"?
Then in the first phase we avoid
the fire from Albaneta and 593.
But we are then exposed
to heavy fire from Passo Corno.
I don't know what's worse.
There's no other solution.
We have to take 575 and "San Angelo,"
then 593 and 569,
and only then attack the monastery.
Right in the middle.
Did the Commander-in-Chief
accept this plan?
General Sosnkowski is now in London.
We are the ones
who have to decide.
So the "Carpathian"
will attack 593 and the monastery.
"Kresowa" attacks 575,
"San Angelo," and "Specter."
The old man decided himself.
He didn't even consult with London.
Are you saying that
this insubordination allows us...
That's not the point.
This mountain has won with everyone:
the French, English, Americans...
...the Maori, Hindus, Moroccans.
- It's our turn.
- In tanks up the hill, to the bunkers?
For armored personnel
it's certain death.
Your brother will have it hot.
A Russian spy
walks through the streets of Berlin
and wonders why
people are staring at him so strangely.
And he thinks to himself:
is it because of the trapper hat?
Is it because of
the stench of moonshine?
Or it because of
the parachute trailing behind him?
Will this be a long stop?
Ask me and I'll ask you.
- Can we refill the water?
- Sure.
- Go.
- It'll come in handy for the radiator.
Enough.
CONTROL POINSUBMIT REPORTS
Just the one.
This idiot only allowed
one water bottle per person.
You'll need the water, kid.
If only you'd be more helpful, Kazek.
And you, Szapira,
don't teach me service or duties!
- Why are you such a suffragan?
- What?
Have a nice journey, Editor!
Here!
Take the junk and let's go.
What are you waiting for?
- Can we come through?
- Take cover.
Mortar. Grenade. One charge. 1500.
Attention to the right, three.
1500...
Attention, right, three. Load!
- Got the rope?
- Fire!
Unfledged cannon fodder.
Do this...
Listen, show him.
Fuck...
The angle needs to be changed.
Go on, now!
Mortar. Grenade. One charge.
On three!
One...
Right, four!
- Attention, right, four, load!
- Two...
Three!
Quickly!
Sniper, son of a bitch...
Good day, Mr. Editor.
A report? Interview?
I just dropped by...
...to see
how the "desert rats" are doing.
It's tough, because it's harder
to "bite in" here...
The fleas bite into us instead.
When you go back, you'll have to...
I took the fucker down!
580, clear!
But sometimes
fate smiles upon us. Eh, angel?
It makes your mouth dry like a hangover
because of an older cousin.
Maybe you could
bring some water, angel?
And in the meantime,
the Editor and I...
Now you can go, no sweat.
On the way back
keep your ears at ass level!
The climb up the bottleneck
is a 40 degree incline slope.
In addition,
there are bunkers on both sides.
They're bristled with anti-tank guns.
There are also mines.
Is there any good news?
As usual, the mines
will be disarmed by sappers
in open terrain, under Kraut fire.
Pray for the soldiers' luck
of the sappers.
That's all. Thank you.
40 degrees uphill,
head-first into German bunkers...
That's impossible to do.
We'll get artillery support.
We won't sit back
and do nothing either.
- We'll cover the infantry.
- That's madness.
Like the whole idea
of conquering this monastery.
Captain Zahorski?
Yes. And you missy...
I'm sorry. Ms... Pola, right?
Jdrek and I travelled from Siberia
through Iran all the way to here.
Were you and Jdrek close?
Like kids, Captain.
Misfortune had brought us closer.
And here I signed up
for first aid courses...
but he, you surely noticed,
wanders from trouble to trouble.
But you'll sort him out, right?
As soon as it's all over.
That's good, because, you see...
He's an atheist.
But in Iran he prayed for one thing:
that his brother would survive.
And our sister, Helcia...
Have you met her?
No. He only mentioned you.
But we really got to
know each other in Buzuluk.
So Helcia was no longer with him.
Oh well.
Jdrek is now under supervision.
Ask for the Editor
and you'll find Jdrek.
Captain... Will we be
moving soon?
You don't have much time.
I don't have any left at all.
Come on! Come on!
It's for the one with that face
and the young one.
You have a very friendly ward.
I taught him well.
Fire!
Kid...
- Kid, are you alright?
- Jdrek!
Mr. Editor, it's time to go home.
Run, kid!
Do you have a car?
We do. Down there.
Student, calm down. Look at me.
It's alright. It's alright. Come.
Come, come. Help me!
Jdrek, help them! Help them!
Help me!
Medic!
- We're here.
- Doctor!
Doctor!
Take him.
- Doctor!
- Blood type?
- You can do it.
- What's his blood type?!
- B positive.
- B positive, quickly!
Onto the table at once!
I figured out that if...
...I can stand it
without a single grunt,
you'll go on a date with me today.
You're such a kid.
When it hurts,
you have to scream. It helps.
Yeah, right.
- Don't change the subject.
- Done.
We have a lot of work here.
Doctor Dietrich told us
to pack and get ready.
You see what's going on.
It's about this officer
of yours, right?
- It's him you're thinking about...
- Jdrek.
On the boat
everything was still fine.
- You were.
- We were kids, Jdrek.
I almost lost a hand in Iran for you.
What are you doing?
This is not the time or place.
Pola, go to Doctor Dehnel.
He needs assistance with the surgery.
I spoke with your brother.
He was asking about Helcia.
- And what did you tell him?
- Nothing.
But he said
he didn't have much time left.
Hands up.
Up.
Captain, this must be
some sort of rat.
Put it down, Lejtes.
He's my brother.
Are you sure?
Leave us alone.
What's this?
Did you want to ground me?
Do you know that if anyone else
caught you pouring sugar into the fuel,
you would be put
against the wall for sabotage?!
What's going on
in that head of yours, man!
What about you, smartass?
You should know enough
about this fucked-up warfare
to know what is gambling
and what is suicide!
This is suicide, Staszek.
You're my only guardian.
And Helcia's.
This will end soon.
And me...
We need an older brother.
Somebody to take care of us. Alive.
You'll be of age in six months.
Don't you know what an order
in the army means?
I don't give a fuck about orders.
This whole Monte Cassino is suicide.
And for what?
For the wops?
Who surrender
to anyone who is stronger?
For these dickheads from London,
who already turned their backs on us once?
This is not our land.
Staszek,
what are you risking your head for?
I'll smash your head
and you'll go to the infirmary.
Alright?
Be my guest.
What are you waiting for?
Go to the Editor.
Give the car back,
thank him for his care.
And go back to jail.
You won't survive here.
Maybe I need
a living brother to survive here.
Is Helcia alive?
She's alive.
I told you.
Then I'll live too.
But not for you.
For her...
Now go.
Wasn't that too harsh, Captain?
I had to. He wouldn't let go otherwise.
Lieutenant Wilkosz.
Two Crosses of Valor for Tobruk.
Rifleman Szapira.
Born Viennese.
He walked for two months from Magadan
to our army in Buzuluk.
- Medic Brzeziski
- a peasant from Lesser Poland.
At Tobruk,
he rescued 11 comrades under fire.
And Prchniewicz -
the Foreign Legion.
Narvik, Tobruk...
- A true badass.
- Pity the face doesn't match.
Imagine then, boy...
...that you may be
seeing them for the last time.
They're all going into battle.
Heroes all around.
I don't want to be one of them.
She resembles my youngest daughter.
Beautiful, smart...
but just a little stupid.
Stupid, because she didn't judge
this one badass bear handler well.
As if you did.
Son...
I've met so many people in my life...
From Mocicki to Piasecki.
And trust me...
The number of human types is finite.
Really, Jdrek. Female types too.
So don't be embarrassed.
Don't be embarrassed
to show her that...
you're interested in something
beyond the end of your nose.
- Who knows, maybe then...
- I'll go now. I need to feed Wojtek.
Mr. Editor?
What the hell?
Chaplain Studziski!
What is God bringing you with?
Mr. Editor... A mass.
General Anders requests your company.
The bald fox thinks that he'll keep me
in church, away from the battle...
Is the northward advance agreed on?
Bishop Gawlina himself
sends his regards.
- Jdrek!
- Yes?
Just don't think
you can keep me in church.
Pack the camera, we're leaving.
The mystery of faith.
We proclaim your Death, O Lord,
and profess your Resurrection
until you come again.
As we celebrate the Death
and Resurrection of your Son,
we offer you the holy Bread of life
and the Chalice of salvation.
And we thank you for counting us worthy
to stand in your presence
and serve you.
May all of us who share
in the body and blood of Christ
be brought together
in unity by the Holy Spirit.
Did you photograph the chief
before "W" hour?
I don't know if it turned out well.
Why, shouldn't I have?
"Shouldn't"? So you know such a word?
Keep the vehicles steaming.
We'll ride a bit today.
Damn! Pull over.
End of the line. We continue by foot.
Didn't you have enough slugs?
I may not come back, but I'll shoot
every single one. Wanna bet?
Szapira, did you see?
My canteen was shot through. Damn it.
Hey!
Hey.
Thanks.
No, leave it. Look.
This should be extended,
and this is where you click.
Here you wind and click again.
Easy.
You can try it even
at night during fire.
It should get exposed. Just be careful,
it's a gift for my oldest daughter.
I need a lot of water.
As much hot water as possible. Quick!
Take the beds outside. Outside! Now!
Arrange them by the wall outside.
Now, faster, faster!
I need one clean room. Prepare it.
Inside!
Inside!
Take the beds outside. Here.
Place the beds in parallel,
one next to the other, OK?
Put the crates there.
Water. Boil as much water as possible.
It has to work, after all.
HILL 569
They will soon have
everything on a plate.
Lieutenant, shall we advance?
Shall we advance?
Let's go.
Forward!
Attack!
Lower!
- Come on!
- Come on!
Come on! Forward!
Run!
- Closer to the ground!
- Come on! Come on!
- Come on!
- Run!
Advance! Advance!
Come on! Forward!
Forward!
Forward!
- Up!
- Watch out!
Fire!
Suppress their fire, for God's sake!
Fire!
- Continuous fire! Come on!
- Fire!
Keep firing!
Fire!
Run!
Run!
Clear!
- Up!
- Forward!
Forward!
Advance!
Shoot!
Clear!
Forward!
Go!
Come on, come on, come on!
HILL 593
Forward!
Concentrate on 593
from the side of 569.
Come on! Forward!
Let's go!
Run!
Lieutenant Woowicz is down!
Who's leading?
Let's go!
Come on!
Man, you're out.
Go back down.
Back down!
Take him!
Cover!
Cover me!
Cover!
- How many of you are left?
- As many as you can see.
Follow me! Follow me!
What's up?
What's up?
What's up?
Fuck them!
I took so many magazines!
Angel, you're staying!
I don't have a hand.
You'll change magazines for me!
Don't move!
Don't move!
Cover!
Cover me!
I'm coming!
Cover!
On three.
One... Two... Three! Go!
Head!
Head!
Help... me...
It'll be alright.
Take him from me.
You... me... help!
- Take... yours.
- Yes, sir.
Enough of these stunts.
Go down to the field dressing point.
- Our men are still out there.
- That's an order.
You'll go as a messenger.
Report that we are holding on...
...and that there's no ammunition.
Lieutenant.
Our men are still out there.
- Come.
- Sure.
Quick! Quick!
The "Carpathian" withdrew from 593
after six German counterattacks.
They hit our mortar ammunition depot.
3,000 pieces gone to hell.
The Vilnius division
isn't on "Specter."
I repeat: the Vilnius division
isn't on "Specter."
The commanders
are to pull themselves together.
All those who died are to be replaced.
You have tank support.
Maintain current positions.
Of my three companies,
30 men are left.
And the total losses?
Speak, son.
That'll be about half a thousand dead.
Not counting the wounded and missing.
How was the attack?
Did you manage to take 569?
I don't know, it's all still going on.
- We got fire in the back.
- And what are the losses?
Man, don't bother us.
It hurts.
What now?
Just do your thing.
I was hit by shrapnel,
and then a bullet
scratched me above the eye. But...
The head is intact.
The most important thing: the eyes.
Leave!
You too! That's enough!
In the name of the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A hopeless case. By the wall.
By the wall.
This one to the hospital.
By the wall.
Hospital...
I didn't even have anything
to draw a cross on.
Nowhere to do it.
God bless.
If I don't survive, here's a letter.
Will you inform them, Father?
Kroszyn, Baranowicze district.
You won't go back home, Paszkiewicz.
The Soviets are in Baranowicze.
No!
Stop!
- What?!
- What are you doing?!
I've lost everyone!
I've lost almost everyone.
Adam!
I've lost...
almost everyone...
The idiot wanted to shoot himself.
And she's no better.
What about Captain Zahorski's company?
Do you hear me?!
Do you know?
They're still there.
Stachu!
Stachu!
Stachu!
Jdrek...
Jdru!
Everything will be alright! Jdrek!
Staszek! You're alive!
Jdru!
You're alive...
Jdrek...
I'm hungry.
No!
No!
Can you see the row of white crosses?
That's where
Poles with honor took vows.
Walk forward - the further, the higher,
the more at your feet you'll find.
This land belongs to Poland,
although Poland is far away.
For freedom is measured by crosses,
that's history major mistake.
But, my angel, how can freedom
be measured by crosses?
The more people die,
the more the nation deserves freedom.
Am I right, Mister Konarski?
What about history's major mistake?
What's the deal with this mistake?
That it shouldn't be like this.
That everyone
should have freedom voluntarily.
And not pay for it with blood.
Don't you think?
Alright, now the chorus.
It's not over yet.
- No, I've quit.
- So have I.
Do you know that
the Germans call us "tourists"?
They mean we only move, not fight.
Russia, Iran, Palestine...
And we keep getting tricked.
Like whelps,
who want to go hunting with grown men,
so they stay up all night
to avoid missing out on anything.
Do you think we don't know
that the Allies are purposefully
not in a hurry to get here?
Because they are afraid to
enter Germany before the Soviets?
Hence all these...
"unsuccessful" attacks.
It's our reason of state to open
the road to Rome as soon as possible.
And further.
You can't let go now.
If only for the sake of those
who have already died here.
- Anyway, it's the same with politics
- we're dealt a hopeless hand.
We are at a total impasse.
What next?
I take this responsibility upon myself.
Entirely.
Go, talk to him.
There's something brewing in that head.
But I don't know what.
Thank you for being there for him.
Let at least one of us survive.
So, after everything,
he can take care of...
Helcia.
As long as she's found.
TRUSKAVETS 1938
Do you think
there will be another attack?
Give it to Jdrek.
Is Helcia...
...no more?
She died on Buzuluk. I didn't
manage to bring her back alive.
But I won't tell him this.
Only when this is over.
And what if it's too late?
POLISH SOLDIER! ARE THESE THE COLOURS
OF YOUR COUNTRY? NO! THEY'RE BRITISH!
DO YOU KNOW
WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE NOW?
German motherfuckers. They want to
break us with the fate of our children.
Gentlemen, I wanted to give the order
to repeat the attack immediately.
But the English also failed.
We must cover the enemy
with fire from all positions held.
Give the British 13th Corps
a chance to regroup.
We'll wait for the English.
Advise the soldiers to be patient.
Have our medical services
suffered so much
that they are sending
the fairer sex to the line?
- Orders are orders, Lieutenant.
- Hey, angel!
Does the lieutenant have water?
I could do with some!
Fuck them! Be careful!
Thanks!
Cover!
Fire at the enemy!
Press it, you hear me?
Hold your fire!
- I have to take him back.
- Will you manage?
When we start playing, go for it!
- You have to help me.
- Of course.
They won't shoot at the wounded.
Fire at the enemy!
Angel!
Shoot, motherfuckers!
Come on! Come on!
Is this about this officer of yours?
No.
So?
I was taking a wounded man down.
A German sniper shot him.
On my back. Do you understand?
And this one corpse hurt you so much?
Look! It's one big death house here.
And what for?
They're all just being suckers!
- The most important thing is...
- Not a word more, you punk!
You're supposed to tell me
what's most important?
Beyond the end of your nose?
You could at least respect the people
around you, and not call them suckers.
Go and don't show yourself to me again!
Someone needs to
put you off this heroism, understand?
Before they shoot you!
I thought
you'd learn something here.
And you're still this punk,
a petty thief from Magadan.
Stay away.
From the war...
...and from me.
Son, apparently you know mechanics.
Our generator is broken,
we have no light.
We can't operate.
General.
For my faithful service,
I ask one thing.
For permission
to join my home unit.
593?
Major?
We should, shouldn't we?
Poland is far away, but...
Yes. We should.
Thank you.
- For glory.
- Jdrek!
General, it has begun.
The English with the 13th Corps
crossed the Rapido.
They will tie up all German reserves.
Give the signal to attack. To everyone.
To all units. I repeat.
Jdrek, that's enough!
Hand it over!
Why aren't you interviewing them?
Why aren't you talking to them?
Before they die.
That's what you're here for.
Why doesn't anyone
tell them it's stupid?
That's why I'm here, son, not to
let them be forgotten. You understand?
Look around!
Look around at what's going on here!
Consider whether you're the only one
who's right and they're all fools!
Maybe whether they win here has
some significance for them after all!
Although Poland is far away.
For freedom is measured by crosses.
That's history's major mistake.
Doctor, I'm here
to see medic Apolonia Swaniewicz.
Don't bother us now, son,
you see what's happening here.
I just need a minute.
I have news... about her family.
You'll have to wait.
Medic Swaniewicz joined
the "Carpathians" at her own request.
They are going to 593.
God be with them.
It has begun...
I have to...
...go.
I have to...
Thank you.
They're about to
clear the path of mines.
Then the tanks
will take up firing positions.
The sappers are entering!
The sappers are entering!
On the left!
We have to shield them.
Sappers in disarray.
The infantry will enter
from the direction of Albaneta.
If the tanks don't take up
their positions
and destroy the bunkers,
there'll be a massacre at Albaneta.
Make them wait.
Artillery is shelling their positions.
They'll suffer
smaller losses if they wait.
But then the attack
will be asynchronous.
Forward!
Forward!
Forward, brothers!
Aim! Fire!
Forward, brothers! Go!
Attack!
Don't die! Hey! Please!
Fuck, please don't die!
Is there any way
to support the sappers?
A report from the sappers' commander:
losses - half of the company.
We don't stand a chance
without fire support.
I'm moving into position.
I'll cover them.
This is Drelicharz.
Risk of losing tanks too high.
Go, Lejtes.
Forward!
Pola!
Pola!
Pola!
Fire!
Pola!
Redhead?
Load the armor-piercing shells.
Target at eleven o'clock.
Armor-piercing.
Fire!
Can the sappers operate?
I repeat: can the sappers continue?
We have to we risk the tanks moving
forward without clearing the mines.
"Scorpion 1,"
can you continue the attack?
No. Never mind their mines.
But there are about 20 of our wounded
lying there. I won't run them over.
We need covering fire, a stronger one.
Duch, how are things going with you?
We're pinned down by fire on 593.
We can't move!
Get me the command
of the 8th. Immediately.
"Scorpion 2,"
"Scorpion 3," enter the positions,
provide cover fire from machine guns!
Who's alive, get out of the vehicles
and pull out the wounded!
Cover me!
Father, do you want to
be another Skorupka?
Why? Am I to abandon my sheep?
Our soldiers are closer
by about 400 meters.
Each minute counts.
Keep driving before they shoot through.
- Whack this bastard.
- What about them?
Go, son,
so that all this won't all be in vain!
Am I to...
In open text...?
That's something at least.
Gentlemen, everything's in our heads.
"Scorpion 2," "Scorpion 3"!
Follow me, forward!
Target at 2 o'clock!
Distance - about 120 meters.
Understood.
Strong fire at 2 o'clock.
There's no other way!
We have to drive up this mountain!
It's impossible, commander.
It's too steep.
Nothing is impossible for a Jew!
Look in the Good Book!
My eyes
I can't see anything.
"Scorpion 2," we won't manage.
Drelicharz, what's the situation?
We lost "Scorpion 3."
What's going on? Copy!
Numbers one and two
are continuing the attack.
Commander speaking. Evaluation?
They're entering the steep slope
of the "Bottleneck" from the east.
There are several
strong enemy points there.
But it's hellishly steep.
It's only 25 degrees.
We can do it!
Plough through! Dziunek...
Try following in my tracks,
it will be easier.
How are you, Lejtes?
Dziunek, take that anti-tank gun down!
I'll clean the slope.
Turn around!
Target at 9 o'clock!
Armor-piercing.
Fire!
The slope at the "Bottleneck"
the right flank is clear.
"Scorpion 1," confirm.
The slope at the "Bottleneck",
the right flank is clear.
Commander speaking. I confirm.
General Duch, give an order
to the infantry. Let's press the Krauts.
HILL 593
Pola!
Kid...
- Give me your piece.
- I don't have one.
Fuck off.
I'm telling you:
get the fuck out if you want to live.
Where are you?
- Get the fuck out!
- Come here!
- I need help!
- Where are you?
Here! Quick!
To hell.
Grenade!
Attack!
Come on! Forward!
Attack!
Medic! Here!
Come on!
Take the piece. Take the piece!
Reload.
- Cover me.
- Ready!
Give it to me!
Let's go!
Cover!
Come on! To the left!
Let's go!
No! No!
Come on! No!
Go...
Go on.
He's alive.
It's alright, kid.
You'll make it. Hold on.
Take him.
On the table with him, quickly!
Anesthetize him!
Anesthetize him!
Hang in there, son.
Everything will be fine. Hang in there.
The Germans withdrew
from the monastery.
The English also confirmed.
Wadek...
How did you know?
The Germans had to finally crack.
Ask them to report the losses.
Jdrek...
Wake up, Jdrek.
Wake up.
Where's my eye? Where's my eye?
Where's my eye?
Where's... eye?
My eye...
Why is everyone looking
like they're at a funeral?
I lost... I lost an eye, right?
Forgive me, Jdrek.
Anders himself
wants to decorate you, but...
They're afraid of your big mouth.
Pass me a mirror.
You cared least about it, and now...
everyone in the "Carpathian"
is talking about you, Jdrek.
I cared about you.
Pass... me... that mirror.
We cut the Allies a way to Rome.
They'll forget about it.
As long as the opening
of the front in France is successful.
So, was it worth it?
Soldiers will feel like they've won
for the first time in this war.
At least for a few months
they'll become heroes, winners.
And you don't feel that way?
I only know that it was necessary.
Please write it like that.
We must be a loyal ally until the end.
No matter what.
I've quit.
Don't touch it.
If you want,
I'll make one for you, too.
We'll go to work
at a circus together, Wojtu.
Together.
POLAND - ROME - PARIS
SAN FRANCISCO - BUZULUK - MARRAKESH
THE DECISIVE CHARGE ON
THE MONTE CASSINO MONASTERY
AND THE SURROUNDING GERMAN POSITIONS,
AFTER FAILED ATTACKS
BY AMERICAN, NEW ZEALAND,
WAS CARRIED OUBY SOLDIERS FROM THE 2ND POLISH CORPS
ON MAY 17 AND 18, 1944.
"WERE I GIVEN THE CHOICE
AMONG ANY SOLDIERS
WHICH I WOULD LIKE TO
HAVE UNDER MY COMMAND,
I WOULD CERTAINLY
CHOOSE YOU - THE POLES."
HAROLD ALEXANDER,
FIELD MARSHAL OF THE BRITISH ARMY