Train to Zakopané takes us on a journey back in time to 1928 Poland. Based on true events, the movie tells an intriguing story about two strangers who meet on a train and become attracted to each other despite their different backgrounds and opinions. Written and directed by Henry Jaglom, this unique film co-stars Tanna Frederick and Mike Falkow. As a Frederick/Jaglom fan, I expected to enjoy Train to Zakopané, and the dynamic duo did not disappoint me. In fact, this production is now my favorite Jaglom offering. And Frederick (Jaglom's wife in real life) delivers her best performance ever as a naïve Polish army nurse. She brings such depth and range of feeling to a character who says outrageous, hateful things -- and makes us care about this woman despite her flaws.  

Frederick and her co-star Falkow project terrific screen chemistry together. He’s a handsome capitalist business man not welcome in communist Russia. She’s a lovely young woman, but one with deep-seated anti-Semitic beliefs. From the first time their characters see each other in the train compartment shared by two additional travelers, it’s obvious they want to know much more about each other. That feeling leads to a passionate tryst and to the revelation of a secret that could change everything.  

Two strangers bond while on a train.

Will their love last or end in pain?

SHE hates the Jews, but HE is one.

Should he tell her and spoil their fun?

In Poland before World War two,

it’s not a good time for a Jew.

This fine Henry Jaglom movie

is heartbreaking but a must-see.

Filmed mostly in old black and white,

enchanting scenes evoke delight.

A journey back to days gone by --

but bigotry still makes us cry.

“Train to Zakopané” rings true.

It’s message will long stay with you.

Although Train to Zakopané was originally a long-running play, Jaglom has successfully transferred it to film. His choice of black-and-white cinematography really works for this movie. It helps evoke memories of the time when World War II events really happened and were covered in newspapers and newsreels.

While watching this true story unfold on screen, I couldn’t help feeling it was something special. Thanks, Henry Jaglom, for bringing your father’s unforgettable experience to life on screen -- and in such a suspenseful presentation.

Anti-Semitism is the rumor about the Jews. --- Theodor Adorno

Six decades after the Holocaust concluded, anti-Semitism still exists in the world. – Eliot Engel

(To be released by The Rainbow Film Company in Los Angeles on May 2, 2018. Other areas TBA. Not rated by MPAA.)           

For more information about this movie, go to the IMDb website.