The accomplished Polish actor Jan Nowicki stars in the title role as an aging card shark who gets back in the game. After a naive gambler, Jurek, tries to hustle Big Shar and fails, he agrees to teach the lad his tricks and the pair begin an unlikely partnership. More than just a caper film, Big Shar features a cast of veteran actors who represent three generations of Polish screen talent. Nowicki, who launched his career in Andrzej Wajda's Popioly, gives a magnificent performance, as does silent film actor Leon Niemczyck, who plays Stefan, and newcomer Andrzej Pieczynski, who costars as Jurek. In Polish with English subtitles.

Sylwester Checinski---Poland---1982---96 mins.

• Facets Video
  Release Date: 04/28/2009