“Kogel-mogel”: It is best to stay away from them as much as possible
We have reached the end of the Polish People's Republic, where a university professor's first aid is limited to the suggestion of a “punch in the face.” Kasia (Grażyna Błęcka-Kolska), fainted from the emotions of the exam, receives a “slap in the face” from her friend – clearly satisfied with the opportunity. In the course of the following minutes of the session, the female's slap could be described as prophetic.
Kasia is trying to achieve her dream of higher education, but her doting father (Jerzy Turek) is preparing bottles of vodka, and with them the days until the marriage of his eldest son to the wealthy Staszek Kolasa (Jerzy Rogalski). There is no point in running away and screaming from the agreed-upon fiancée when canceling the wedding for the head of the Sulski family is “impossible”.
Finally, the white dress is thrown away and her father curses its owner. a reason? Motivation to learn. Instead of standing in front of the altar, Kasia stands on the threshold of the apartment of Wolański (Zdzisław Wardejn), his wife Barbara (Ewa Kasprzyk) and son Piotruś (Maciej Koterski). The honorary candy is getting bigger and bigger.
Frame from the movie “Kogel-mogel”
The creators of “Kogla-mogla” put up a distorting mirror of the eternal struggle between city and countryside, laughing at both townspeople focused on eternal rush and provincial residents bound by outdated traditions. There is more that unites you than that divides you – remind Załuski and Łepkowska. But what is the use of this noble thinking if it is accompanied by the strengthening of divisions on another basis – gender.
It's best to stay away from these silly women as much as possible. The heroines of “Kogla-mogla” are domineering and angry wives (Barbara Wolańska), crying and insufferably talkative mothers (Solska played by Katarzyna Łaniewska), mothers-in-law out of touch with reality (Wolańska by Małgorzata Lorentowicz) and fiancées mired in chaos. (Kasia Solska).
There are no positive heroines in this blockbuster – I admit, the legends of Polish cinema played them with pleasure – in the background. The favorite activity of Barbara Wolańska's friends is conspiracy, while the activity of university or dormitory staff makes the lives of students miserable.
In contrast to this is the diverse world of men – practically remote (except for Cassia's father). Załuski and Łepkowska view their dominance with tenderness, dealing with imposing their own opinions while dismissing the woman's “no” as always harmless. to request? There is no hope for the female species outside the arm of the male.
“Kogel-mogel”: not only comedy, but also fantasy
The issue of social progress is even sadder. This one turned out to be impossible. We do not know if Kasia decided to sacrifice her career for the love of Paweł Zawada (Dariusz Siatkowski), whom she met by chance. It is clear that someone is depriving her of the opportunity to study again, but this time she does not protest.
In the end, the heroine, deprived of her agency, is delivered in a potato field to a man who is asked by her father: “Do you take it or not?” – I am for equal rights, but a woman must obey her husband – comes the response. This is controversial Happy ending.
Before I am accused of unfairness or lack of humor, I will state that I am aware of the historical facts of the title analyzed, as well as its general nature. Yes, this film plays with simplifications and exaggerations for the sake of situational jokes, and it was made at a time when the topic of liberation remained foreign in our country. But perhaps during reruns next Christmas, let's be careful to watch “Kogel-mogel” not just as a comedy we know by heart, but also as a fantasy trapped in the past.
“Kugl Muggle” (1988), dir. Roman Załuski, broadcast on Easter: TVP Seriale (03/31 at 8:00pm and 04/1 at 12:25pm).
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