1939 Battle of Westerplatte ( 2013 )

The 1939 Battle of Westerplatte (2013): A Deep Dive into Polish Valor and Controversies

The 2013 Polish war film, 1939 Battle of Westerplatte (Polish: Tajemnica Westerplatte, literally The Secret of Westerplatte), directed by Paweł Chochlew, offers a cinematic portrayal of the opening days of World War II, focusing on the heroic yet ultimately tragic defense of the Westerplatte peninsula in Gdańsk (Danzig). While the film aims to depict the unwavering courage and resilience of the Polish soldiers against overwhelming German forces, it has also sparked considerable controversy and debate regarding its historical accuracy, character portrayals, and overall narrative choices.

Synopsis

The film meticulously recreates the events of September 1, 1939, when Nazi Germany launched its invasion of Poland, triggering World War II. Westerplatte, a strategically important peninsula guarding the port of Gdańsk, was defended by a small garrison of approximately 200 Polish soldiers under the command of Major Henryk Sucharski and Captain Franciszek Dąbrowski. Against a numerically superior and heavily armed German force, the Polish soldiers held their ground for seven days, inflicting significant casualties on the attackers. The film delves into the internal conflicts and tensions within the Polish command, particularly the ideological differences and personal struggles between Sucharski and Dąbrowski, as they grapple with the impossible task of defending Westerplatte against all odds. The film portrays the brutal reality of war, highlighting the physical and psychological toll on the soldiers, their unwavering commitment to duty, and the devastating consequences of their heroic stand.

Historical Context

The Battle of Westerplatte holds immense symbolic significance in Polish history. It represents the indomitable spirit of Polish resistance against Nazi aggression and serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by Polish soldiers during the war. The actual battle began on September 1, 1939, with a naval bombardment by the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein and lasted until September 7, 1939. Despite facing overwhelming odds, the Polish garrison managed to delay the German advance and inflict heavy casualties, buying crucial time for the Polish army to organize its defenses elsewhere. The surrender of Westerplatte, while marking a defeat for Poland, transformed the defenders into national heroes and solidified their place in Polish folklore. The events at Westerplatte served as a potent symbol of resistance throughout the war and continue to inspire generations of Poles.

Production and Casting

1939 Battle of Westerplatte was a large-scale production, featuring a significant cast and extensive set designs to recreate the battleground. Michał Żebrowski starred as Major Henryk Sucharski, and Robert Żołędziewski portrayed Captain Franciszek Dąbrowski. The film also featured a supporting cast of Polish actors, each bringing to life the diverse personalities and experiences of the Westerplatte defenders. The production team invested heavily in recreating the historical details of the battle, including the uniforms, weapons, and fortifications of both sides. However, despite the attention to detail, the film has been criticized for taking liberties with historical accuracy in order to enhance the dramatic narrative.

Key Characters

Controversies and Criticisms

The film has been the subject of intense debate and criticism, primarily focusing on the portrayal of Major Henryk Sucharski. Critics argue that the film depicts Sucharski as a weak, indecisive, and even cowardly leader, which contradicts the historical record and the accounts of other Westerplatte defenders. Some historians and veterans have accused the filmmakers of deliberately tarnishing Sucharski's reputation in order to create a more dramatic and morally ambiguous narrative. This portrayal has been particularly sensitive in Poland, where Sucharski is widely regarded as a national hero. Furthermore, some critics have pointed out inaccuracies in the depiction of the battle itself, including the sequence of events, the tactics employed by both sides, and the overall scale of the conflict. The film's artistic license, while intended to enhance the dramatic impact, has been viewed by some as a betrayal of historical truth.

Another point of contention revolves around the film's depiction of internal conflicts within the Polish garrison. While it is true that tensions existed between Sucharski and Dąbrowski, some argue that the film exaggerates these differences and presents a distorted view of the command structure. Critics claim that the film focuses too heavily on personal conflicts at the expense of accurately portraying the soldiers' collective heroism and unwavering commitment to their duty. The film's emphasis on the psychological toll of the battle, while understandable, has been interpreted by some as a way to undermine the heroic narrative and create a more cynical and pessimistic portrayal of the events at Westerplatte.

Themes

Despite the controversies, 1939 Battle of Westerplatte explores several important themes, including:

• Courage and Sacrifice: The film highlights the extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice of the Polish soldiers who defended Westerplatte against overwhelming odds.
• Duty and Honor: The film explores the soldiers' sense of duty and their unwavering commitment to defending their country, even in the face of certain defeat.
• The Psychological Impact of War: The film realistically portrays the physical and psychological toll of war on the soldiers, highlighting the trauma, fear, and despair they experienced.
• Leadership and Decision-Making: The film examines the complexities of leadership under extreme pressure, exploring the difficult choices that commanders must make in the heat of battle.
• The Futility of War: The film subtly suggests the futility of war, depicting the devastating consequences of armed conflict and the tragic loss of life on both sides.

Historical Accuracy vs. Dramatic License

The debate surrounding 1939 Battle of Westerplatte raises fundamental questions about the balance between historical accuracy and dramatic license in historical films. Filmmakers often take liberties with historical events in order to create a more compelling narrative, enhance the dramatic tension, or explore specific themes. However, these liberties can sometimes distort the historical record and lead to misinterpretations of the past. In the case of 1939 Battle of Westerplatte, the filmmakers' decision to portray Major Sucharski as a flawed and indecisive leader has been particularly controversial, as it contradicts the prevailing historical narrative and has been perceived as an attempt to rewrite history. It is important for viewers to be aware of the potential for bias and distortion in historical films and to critically evaluate the information presented. Comparing the film's portrayal with other historical sources is crucial for forming an informed understanding of the events at Westerplatte.

Reception and Impact

Despite the controversies, 1939 Battle of Westerplatte garnered significant attention in Poland and internationally. The film sparked widespread discussion about the events at Westerplatte and the interpretation of Polish history. While some praised the film for its realistic portrayal of war and its exploration of the psychological impact on the soldiers, others criticized it for its historical inaccuracies and its negative portrayal of Major Sucharski. The film's box office performance was moderate, but it generated considerable media coverage and sparked a renewed interest in the Battle of Westerplatte. The film also led to renewed calls for a more accurate and balanced portrayal of Polish history in cinema and other media.

Comparison with Other War Films

The 1939 Battle of Westerplatte can be compared to other war films that explore similar themes, such as courage, sacrifice, and the psychological impact of war. Films like Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, and Das Boot offer realistic portrayals of combat and highlight the human cost of war. However, 1939 Battle of Westerplatte is unique in its focus on a specific historical event and its exploration of the complexities of Polish history and identity. Unlike some Hollywood war films, 1939 Battle of Westerplatte does not shy away from depicting the moral ambiguities of war and the flaws of individual soldiers. The film's controversial portrayal of Major Sucharski challenges the traditional heroic narrative and invites viewers to question their assumptions about the past.

Analysis of the Film's Cinematography and Sound Design

The film employs a gritty and realistic visual style to convey the brutal reality of the battle. The cinematography emphasizes the claustrophobic conditions of the Westerplatte peninsula and the constant threat of bombardment. The color palette is muted and desaturated, reflecting the bleakness and despair of the situation. The sound design is equally effective in creating a sense of immersion, with realistic sound effects of explosions, gunfire, and the cries of wounded soldiers. The film's use of slow motion and close-ups enhances the emotional impact of key scenes, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a more personal level. The overall aesthetic of the film contributes to its sense of realism and its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war.

Symbolism in the Film

The film employs several symbolic elements to convey deeper meanings. The Westerplatte peninsula itself can be seen as a symbol of Polish resilience and resistance against foreign aggression. The Polish flag, which flies defiantly throughout the battle, represents the soldiers' unwavering commitment to their country. The image of the burning Westerplatte is a powerful symbol of the destruction and devastation caused by war. The film also uses religious imagery, such as crucifixes and prayers, to highlight the spiritual dimension of the soldiers' struggle. These symbolic elements add depth and complexity to the narrative, inviting viewers to reflect on the broader themes of courage, sacrifice, and the human condition.

Major Differences Between the Film and Historical Accounts

Conclusion

1939 Battle of Westerplatte is a complex and controversial film that offers a powerful cinematic portrayal of a pivotal moment in Polish history. While the film has been criticized for its historical inaccuracies and its negative portrayal of Major Henryk Sucharski, it also raises important questions about the nature of heroism, the psychological impact of war, and the complexities of historical interpretation. The film's exploration of these themes, combined with its realistic depiction of combat and its strong performances from the cast, make it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. However, viewers should be aware of the potential for bias and distortion in the film and should critically evaluate the information presented in light of other historical sources. Ultimately, 1939 Battle of Westerplatte serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by Polish soldiers during World War II and the enduring legacy of the Battle of Westerplatte.