At the 2025 New York Polish Film Festival, audiences will be treated to Kulej. All That Glitters Isn’t Gold (Kulej. Dwie strony medalu), a compelling biographical drama directed by Xawery Żuławski. This film delves into the life of Jerzy Kulej, Poland’s only two-time Olympic gold medalist in boxing, exploring not only his athletic triumphs but also the personal and political challenges he faced during the 1960s.
🥇 The Story Behind the Legend
Jerzy Kulej emerged as a national hero after clinching his first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in 1964. The film captures this pinnacle of success and follows Kulej through the subsequent four years leading up to his second gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. However, beyond the glory in the ring, Kulej's life was marked by personal struggles, including battles with alcohol, infidelity, and the pressures of being a state-sponsored athlete in a politically charged Poland.
The narrative also focuses on Kulej's relationship with his wife, Helena, portrayed by Michalina Olszańska. Their marriage, strained by Kulej's fame and personal demons, serves as a poignant subplot, highlighting Helena's strength and resilience as she navigates the complexities of being married to a national icon.
🎬 Directorial Vision: Xawery Żuławski
Director Xawery Żuławski brings a nuanced perspective to Kulej's story. Born in Warsaw in 1971, Żuławski is the son of renowned director Andrzej Żuławski and actress Małgorzata Braunek. A graduate of the National Film School in Łódź, he has carved out his own path in Polish cinema with works like Chaos (2006) and Wojna polsko-ruska (2009), the latter earning him the Silver Lions at the Gdynia Film Festival. His films are known for their bold storytelling and exploration of complex characters.
In Kulej, Żuławski employs dynamic cinematography and a period-accurate aesthetic to immerse viewers in 1960s Poland. The boxing scenes are choreographed with intensity, capturing the physicality of the sport, while the domestic moments provide a stark contrast, revealing the emotional toll of Kulej's lifestyle on his family.
🏆 Critical Reception and Accolades
Upon its release, Kulej. All That Glitters Isn’t Gold garnered attention for its compelling performances and stylistic direction. The film won the Audience Award at the Polish Film Awards and was nominated for Best Film at the Polish Film Festival. Critics have praised the film's ability to balance the portrayal of Kulej's public achievements with his private struggles, offering a comprehensive look at the man behind the medals.
📅 Festival Screening Details
Don't miss the opportunity to experience this powerful biopic at the New York Polish Film Festival:
- Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Venue: Scandinavia House, 60 Park Ave, NYC
- Tickets: Available at nypff.com
Join us for this unforgettable screening and delve into the life of one of Poland's most celebrated athletes.
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