VINCI

Vinci is a Polish movie that premiered in 2004. It was written and directed by Juliusz Machulski, maker of such Polish classics like Seksmisja and Va Bank.

Vinci is light-hearted mix of comedy and crime movie. It tells the story of Cuma (played by Robert Więckiewicz), professional thief who - after leaving prison on false pretense of failing health - prepares for his last heist. This time, he plans to steal Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine, painting in possesion of Cracow museum and widely considered to be a painting no one ever will dare stealing - because of museum's extremely tight security. To achieve his ambitious goal, Cuma enlists the help of his old friend, Julian (played by Borys Szyc)- former thief now turned cop. But little does Cuma know that Julian - while willing to protect his friend from being caught - is also determined not to let Cuma steal the painting. Lady with an Ermine is, after all, regarded as one of most precious paintings in possesion of Polish museums. To solve his dilemma, Julian creates his own cunning plan - one involving forging a false Lady with an Ermine...

Vinci is perfectly crafted movie, working on many different levels. It's an intelligent crime story with many twists and turns. It's also a genuinely funny comedy with excellent dialogues. It has sympathetic, well - played characters - especially, there's some wonderful chemistry going on between Julian and Magda, a no - nonsense art student and forger (played by Kamilla Baar). Finally, it's also a compelling tale of loyalty and trust - as illustrated by friendship between Cuma and Julian, a thief - and a cop.

Vinci is a movie definitely worth seeing, a testimony to Juliusz Machulski's great skill as a film maker.

Julian and Cuma - friends from both sides of the law