The highly anticipated prequel to the iconic Polish film Sami swoi, titled Sami swoi: Początek, has taken Netflix Poland by storm. Directed by Artur Żmijewski, the comedy debuted on the streaming platform on November 15 and immediately soared to the top spot among feature films.
Initially met with skepticism, the project faced criticism over its relevance and comparisons to Sylwester Chęciński’s legendary trilogy. However, Sami swoi: Początek proved naysayers wrong, achieving significant success in cinemas earlier this year, where it drew over 800,000 viewers. Its opening weekend alone saw 225,000 moviegoers eager to explore the origins of the iconic feud between Kazimierz Pawlak and Władysław Kargul.
Adam Bobik and Karol Dziuba stepped into the lead roles, with their casting kept secret until late in production. Their performances, paired with Arkadiusz Mularczyk’s engaging script, have been praised for captivating both longtime fans and younger audiences. Critics, including Magdalena Drozdek of WP, lauded the film as a “sentimental journey for the old and an exciting historical trip for the young.”
While it may not achieve the legendary status of its predecessor, Żmijewski’s film successfully delivers humor, nostalgia, and a deeper look into the famous neighbors’ rivalry. It continues to draw viewers on Netflix, cementing its place as a standout Polish comedy of 2023.