The War of the Worlds: Next Century

Synopsis

The War of the Worlds: Next Century (Wojna światów - następne stulecie) is a 1981 Polish science fiction film directed by Piotr Szulkin and starring Roman Wilhelmi. Set in a dystopian near future, the movie explores a society under the oppressive control of alien invaders. Through the eyes of the protagonist, a news reporter, the story delves into themes of propaganda, state control, and the manipulation of truth under totalitarian rule. Combining satirical elements with a grim portrayal of resistance and conformity, the film uses the science fiction war narrative framework to critically reflect on political oppression and media’s role in shaping public perception. Its stylistic approach and dark atmosphere create a thought-provoking vision of a world where humanity struggles to retain its identity.

Cast

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  Roman Wilhelmi

  Iron Idem

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  Krystyna Janda

  Gea

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  Jerzy Stuhr

  Attorney

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  Stanisław Tym

  Secret Agent

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  Witold Pyrkosz

  Judge

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  Zbigniew Buczkowski

  Policeman

Reviews

The War of the Worlds: Next Century has received a mixture of appreciation and critique from audiences and critics alike. On IMDb, it holds a respectable rating of 6.9/10, indicating a generally favorable reception. Critics have praised the film for its bold political allegory and its sharp commentary on the use of media as a tool for control. The film’s bleak setting and intense atmosphere have been highlighted as strengths, with Roman Wilhelmi’s performance receiving particular acclaim for its convincing portrayal of moral complexity. However, some viewers find the film’s pacing slow and its narrative dense, which might limit its accessibility to a broader audience. The film's unconventional style and 1980s Polish sci-fi aesthetics might feel dated to some, but they add to its cult status among genre enthusiasts. Rotten Tomatoes lacks a formal aggregated score due to the film's niche status, but retrospective reviews often note its relevance as a political parable. Overall, critics agree it is a challenging but thought-provoking piece that offers more than typical sci-fi fare, especially in its socio-political commentary.