Die Rache des Schwertes

The third and final volume of a momentous trilogy, following WITH FIRE AND SWORD and THE DELUGE. A monumental epic of battle, love, and betrayal. The Turks are invading Poland. Colonel Wolodyjowski strikes up a bargain with some local rapscallions. They mount a final defense against the massive and extremely well-armed Turkish army. This film features some of the most incredible battle scenes ever filmed. This epic was also caught up in the events of its own time. Just before production, the Soviet army invaded Czechoslovakia, provoking worldwide outrage. The Communists pressed the filmmakers to make COLONEL WOLODYJOWSKI metaphorically rationalize this invasion. This pressure, and the filmmakers’ resistance to it, carries over into the film: making it a volatile and dangerous work.