During the 1950's Cold War, floating back and forth between Stalin-esque Poland and the intoxicating freedom of Bohemian Paris, a musician and a young chanteuse live a tempestuous love story in an impossible era; they make a handsome couple – Zula (Joanna Kulig) and Wiktor (Tomasz Kot). Over a turbulent 15-year period from 1949 to the mid-60s, will they or won’t they get together after frequent absences and obstacles (including the Berlin Wall and Communist secret police)? It’s a grand romance set against Soviet-era angst.

Director, co-screenwriter Pawel Pawlikowski’s magnificent and enthralling film is a sentimental journey, reflecting the tumultuous lives of his late parents.