I don't know how I've never heard of this.
Absolutely bloody brilliant, 1965 Black & White Polish movie about...
Well, I don't want to spoil it, but it's an Arabian Nights of sorts, and as I'm going to briefly describe it (Spoilers below - don't do the read more unless you've first watched it...)
So, first of all, wonderful practical effects. This in the day before computers, and, being Poland, when they had need for a giant pile of human skulls they simply used real human skulls. The costumes & acting are first rate, as are the sets. And there are terrific little set-ups - like "We've been expecting you...", when, for our protagonist, nobody should have been expecting him.
And the story begets story begets story until we're so far nested, 5, 6, 7 deep, that it seems we're lost forever in an endless Russian Doll.
This is brilliant. Every character has a story to tell, and no sooner do they begin than a character in their story has a story to tell, and no sooner do they begin....
You get it. Frequently you find yourself having forgotten the main story line, you're so far removed. But this is the point.
The Protagonist, the heroic fool unable to recognize the miracles he's witness to, his unwavering courage in the face of circumstance he can't even begin to dimly comprehend, there's a fine enactment of the equivalent of 18th Century Road Rage, Characters, there is the enigmatic Kabbalist, there is perpetual laughter at the disreputable and begging Nobility, the "Law Student of Human Nature", which - really, can't be the first slander on the profession but is certainly one of the more amusing, there is an abundance of comedy - lol sort of shit, and there is always the hook, mystery heaped upon mystery until you begin to wonder how can it all possibly be resolved...?
Anyways, 3 hours long and 3 hours too short. I was pausing it, having grown so attached to it's characters, and now it's done, and time for me to descend a little further into Polish art-house cinema...
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Saragossa_Manuscript_(film)
and, you know me, because now I'm intrigued and have to read the book...(but where to find it?!!! damnnn)
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Manuscript_Found_in_Saragossa
And, a quick link to other Polish films, some of which I've seen, many I have yet to. So lots to look forward to...Link: IMDB on Best Polish Films of All Time