This review applies to the butchered version, not the original 234 minute version. The first half follows the exploits of Rafal, a peasant farmer who hangs out with the flamboyant aristocrats during Napoleon's sweep over Europe. Only in the second half does the film pick up with the battle scenes as Wajda's surreal interpretation enters the massacre of the Spaniards. The black and white photography is absolutely beautiful if you can see it on a decent print and the right screen ratio.
