Review

This grippingly taut thriller about two entrepreneurs who become enmeshed in the criminal net of a Russian thug would do Hitchcock proud. Set in the go-go days of capitalism in Warsaw, the story follows Adam and Stefan, buddies and aspiring businessmen, who plan to import Italian motor scooters into Poland. But without collateral, no bank is willing to give them a loan. Help comes in the form of Gerard, a Russian-born acquaintance who projects success and who offers them the money. Far from altruistic, Gerard becomes increasingly relentless and vicious with demands of interest and even money they never received. Confusion, then fear develop as the threats of violence become increasingly real for Adam and Stefan and their two girlfriends. Their own friendship becomes strained as the men are paralyzed on how to end the nightmare. Until they decide on a plan... The mounting tension keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. An assuredly directed, cautionary drama that also captures the symbolic hopelessness of a country lured into the capitalist lifestyle, yet held captive by its membership terms.

 -- Raymond Murray