Prepare yourself for an enchanting tale of love and animation, for The Peasants unveils a breathtaking feast for the eyes. Brace for an overwhelming abundance of mesmerizing beauty that will leave you entranced time and time again.
The impact of the Polish duo, Hugh Welchman and Dorota Kobiela, can only be truly grasped by those who have experienced their extraordinary masterpiece, Loving Vincent, released in 2017. This groundbreaking documentary delves into the enigmatic world of Vincent van Gogh, ingeniously transforming his captivating paintings into animated oil masterpieces through the incorporation of live action performances. It is a remarkable endeavor that not only pays homage to the genius of the timeless artist but also serves as a profound exploration of his life and work.
Władysław Stanisław Reymont’s monumental 1904 novel, The Peasants, has been transformed into an equally grand film adaptation. This cinematic endeavor embraces a larger canvas, seeking to capture the essence of the original work. A staggering number of over 100 painting animators dedicated their talents to breathe life into the film after its initial live-action shoot. Imbuing existing photographic images with vivid artistry, they meticulously crafted a staggering number of 40,000 unique oil paintings. Furthermore, the tremendous success of this endeavor is even more commendable when considering the logistical challenges presented by the Covid pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, in which a majority of the directors’ painters were situated. Nevertheless, it is important to note that in contrast to Loving Vincent, where the artistic style intertwined seamlessly with the movie’s narrative, the painterly animation in The Peasants does not convey the same level of significance or indispensability.
Let it be known that this observation is not meant to disparage animation, a truly remarkable medium that allows for endless possibilities. However, while watching The Peasants, one cannot help but wonder why animation is limited by the constraints of live action. In essence, this critic would have greatly appreciated a purely animated film showcasing the same visually stunning impressionistic style, without the inclusion of real actors as if to validate the medium.
In the Peasants, another concern arises – the overly used adaptation, which gradually loses its vigor as the story progresses. This text, widely embraced in Poland to the extent of being required reading in schools, much like The Scarlet Letter, possesses a significant feminist undertone. It revolves around the captivating and youthful Jagna (Kamila Urzedowska), who resides in a tight-knit and gossip-driven village of 19th Century Poland. Jagna possesses the talents of an artist and the compassion of an animal healer, yet she endures the cruelty of the village inhabitants who are infused with a patriarchal mindset. They unjustly target her based on her physical beauty, assuming she must be courting every man in the village behind closed doors. However, Jagna’s affections are solely directed towards Antek, a married man deeply enamored by her.
The Peasants brings to mind a variety of works with similar themes, such as Madame Bovary and Dogville. Despite this, the challenges faced by Jagna manage to hold our interest for a period of time. The men around her undergo a transformation in their attitudes, the women under the same patriarchal system become more malicious than before, and Jagna’s longing for a different way of life gives rise to new ambitions within her.