Bitwa Warszawska/Battle of Warsaw

[koz10]

I'm just back from Historicon where I purchased Hoffman's "Bitwa Warszawska". I watched in on the plane flight cross country to home - I didn't have earphones but figured that I didn't need them as I only understand a few words in Polish/Russian. The DVD has its drawbacks - the battle scenes are a little fuzzy and appear washed out. It seems the only Region 1 version hasn't converted the 3D portions to 2D viewing; only a minor nuisance. Special effects and other options are not available at all, a bummer, as I really like all the "behind the scenes" stuff.

I can understand why it didn't get high reviews or praise. True, it's not historically accurate at all but who ever said that Hollywood or Warsawood ever let the truth get in the way of a good flm (e.g. Braveheart and The Patriot - essentially the same film but set in different countries/centuries). It's just not such a great film; the battle scenes are vivid, the uniforms very cool and some wide shots of the advancing Konarmia very impressive but it leaves me feeling unsatisfied, like so much more could have been done or done better.

I was very excited to see this available, however, I really can't recommend it as a "must see" or "gotta have" movie. A real pity.

[traveller]

I have it as well and agree with your comments. The topic is great but poorly executed. However, from a pure wargaming angle, the uniforms and fighting scenes provide some inspiration for this neglected conflict.

[ts]

The complete film can be seen - in Polish - on You Tube.

[koz10]

I have it as well and agree with your comments. The topic is great but poorly executed. However, from a pure wargaming angle, the uniforms and fighting scenes provide some inspiration for this neglected conflict.

Yes, despite the blurred battle scenes, the uniforms are pretty cool. If we're certain Hoffman is historically accurate with the unifroms.

[cuprum]

Only towards the Poles.

[koz10]

Was the Red Army wearing regular uniforms by this time? All the phots I've seem show them to be ragged and lean, much like American Civil War Confederates.

[cuprum]

Disgustingly red-clad soldiers, wacky hats, commander of the Kuban Cossacks - in papaha ridiculous and even more wildly absurd cherkeska.
 When filming of the Polish Lancers just changed to the Red Army men, without changing the horses saddle, and not even bothering to unfasten the sword from the saddle (in the Red and White Army, edged weapons to wear a saddle is not), and as a result of the red men were armed with swords Polish.
Mass errors in the details of clothes (cut of the garment), in the way of wearing items of uniforms and weapons.

[ts]

As Koz mentions only a few contemporary photos seem to exist of red soldiers from the Polish War 1920, most of them showing prisoners in rags.
But it would be rather surprising, if the reds did not take photos, at least when everything was going to their plans?
Is it possible, when searching via known regiments and units, contemporary red press and such to find photos in Russia?
Also it is possible from Russian sources to say anything about how single red units were uniformed.
At that time the reds had captured a lot of equipment and uniforms from the former white surplus and depots.
I think, I only know 2 or 4 pictures.
There ought to be more.

[cuprum]

Have red - different military units had varying degrees of wear uniforms. There were absolute rags, were well equip troops. Here are some photos:



In 1920. Sending part of the First Cavalry Army in the Polish Front.







Attack of a Horse Army on the outskirts of the city of Rivne

[cuprum]

For example - photo of Polish prisoners of war in the Bolshevik camp. You can find them in the Polish soldiers?

[koz10]

Disgustingly red-clad soldiers, wacky hats, commander of the Kuban Cossacks - in papaha ridiculous and even more wildly absurd cherkeska.
 When filming of the Polish Lancers just changed to the Red Army men, without changing the horses saddle, and not even bothering to unfasten the sword from the saddle (in the Red and White Army, edged weapons to wear a saddle is not), and as a result of the red men were armed with swords Polish.
Mass errors in the details of clothes (cut of the garment), in the way of wearing items of uniforms and weapons.

I am going to have to watch the movie again. I missed all these details. Great eye, Michael.