ARTS REVIEW: Two Crowns – a Docudrama about St. Maximillian Kolbe

by Staś Kmieć
reprinted from the November 2017 issue of The Polish American Journal

"We can build many churches, but if we do not have our own media, these churches will be empty." – St. Maximillian Maria Kolbe

This line stated in the new Polish-language docudrama Dwie Korony (Two Crowns) - with English subtitles,  is significant in that the forward-thinking Kolbe was referring to spreading the teachings of Church through a mass-distributed booklet magazine.  It can also refer to the message this film has the potential of spreading worldwide. 

The film by Michał Kondrat, which premiered in New York, prior to its official opening in Poland, is well-made and informative.  It is more “History Channel” docudrama, than feature film in its style.  The documentary aspects are intriguing and have a high educational value.  Archival footage is utilized; still photographs come to life through 3D enhancement; and the animation aspects contribute greatly to the narrative.  The film features anecdotes from people who knew Kolbe, the director's commentary, and scenes depicting moments from the life of the future Polish saint.

Live action sequences have been staged to connect the story and to cut through the dryness of the documentary format – often incorporating elements of humor. Due to the structure, characters are not able to fully develop and remain one-dimensional.  Nevertheless, Adam Woronowicz imbues a pious charisma and steadfast heroism into his role as Kolbe.  Perhaps, the most poignant scene of the film is when Fr, Kolbe leads the fellow starvation inmates in a cycle of prayer. 

Of particular note is the solitary piano composition by Robert Jansen – movingly played by Bartek Szysz.

It is surprising that many people, even the youth in Poland do not know about Kolbe.  Much of the information in the film can be found in Tomasz P. Terlikowski’s “Biography of the Holy Martyr," but now it is visualized for another generation.  Terlikowski appears in commentary sections, as well.

As a sort of “tour guide, Kondrat explores the history and elements of Kolbe's life, casting a new light on the motives, dilemmas and his difficult choices, while highlighting moments in the Franciscan’s biography.

Maximillian Kolbe, the Franciscan priest who gave his life as a prisoner in Auschwitz led an extraordinary life. It is interesting that he understood the essence of the mass media and the role of language as spoken to the faithful. An expressive, courageous and passionate publicist, he developed missions and literary media in both Poland and Japan. 

Kolbe was nicknamed“Crazy Max,” because he was always working on new ideas. At age 21(1912), he presented his patent for a spaceship. He also built a radio station and prepared a plan for defending the Polish city of Lwów.

Two Crowns  is piece of evangelical cinema that depicts a man of ideas; a man of blood and bones, who was endowed with extraordinary spirituality and respect for his neighbor. 

The Official Trailer: