Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21016 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-08-25
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Black & White, PAL
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: French
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 94 minutes

Synopsis
Roman Polanski's first feature-length film is a suspenseful three-person chamber drama reminiscent of the work of Ingmar Bergman. The action takes place almost entirely within the confined setting of a sailboat owned by a wealthy journalist (Leon Niemczyk) and his much younger wife (Jolanta Umecka). On their way to the lake for a weekend of sailing, they are accosted by a young hitchhiker (Zygmunt Malanowicz) who jumps in front of their car, forcing them to stop. Annoyed by the youth's daredevil posturing, the journalist nevertheless decides to invite him to join the couple on their boat, initiating a series of playfully competitive games between the two men. Playfulness soon gives way to hostility, however, as each tries to outshine and humiliate the other in front of the woman, who appears to be taking a more than casual interest in her husband's young rival. KNIFE IN THE WATER was filmed in the director's native Poland and financed through government subsidies. Although denounced upon its release by local authorities as devoid of any significant social or political content, the film caused a minor sensation in the West, was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Foreign Film, and even made the cover of Time magazine.

Customer Reviews

A very beautiful film
This is Roman Polanksi's first feature length film. If you are interested in his films, I suggest you start here as this is the one that made his name.

The film is basically about the tension which builds between a mismatched couple and a young hitchhiker on a sailing trip.
It is interesting that this film managed to escape Communist censors and show a very modern, forward looking Poland.

It is a beautiful film, to watch, not a shot is wasted and the landscape looks magnificent. The actress Jolanta Umecka, is an absolute natural beauty, though I note that this is the only film she has starred in.

Not much happens in the film, admittedly, but it has an underlying tension which keeps you interested. Very Good.

Watch this
It is hard to imagine a more rounded, tense and beautifully shot directorial debut than this Polanski Classic. His genious is clear. The story ambiguous, gripping and at times painful. This psychological thriller subtely imbues a true sense of fear and unknown. A must for anyone who is interested in human interaction.

Wonderful
The three protagonists are excellent - they maintain a strong sense of frustration and sexual tension throughout and the childish one-upmanship between Andrjez and the unnamed hiker is most amusing. I would recommend this to anyone, whether or not they would usually choose to watch a foreign language film.