A Generation (1955)

To tell you the truth, I really don't remember much about A Generation. That's what sticks out most about it, in my memory, the fact that I don't remember it. It's hard to say why. Maybe, because it blends in much with all of the coming-of-age-through-underground-resistance-groups films that have been made over the years. Maybe it's because it's not particularly engaging, at least nowhere near other, more remarkable Criterion releases. Which is a shame, because Ashes and Diamonds, also by Wajda, is so radical and memorable.

Not that A Generation is a bad movie, by any means, it's just wholly underwhelming. It's Wajda's first feature, so it can be cut some slack. It's a pretty entertaining movie, in general. The main character, Stach, was pretty entertaining and relatable, although he did strike me as pretty naive about everything. Essentially, he joined the Resistance just because he was interested in a girl who was a part of it. There are a few very good scenes, the cover of the Criterion disc mirrors one in particular. Also, the earlier scenes where Stach gets a job were comical and fairly enjoyable, lending some brevity to the film, early on.

But, other than that, I just don't remember.