Red Poppies (2024)

[bunniefuu]

Look at him flee!

Thief! Thief!

An infidel!

Is he white?!

Thief! Cut his hand off!

He robbed the hospital!

Thief!

Get the thief!

Cut his hand off!

Let me go! Child-murderers!

- We've got the fox!

- What did he do?

- He's a thief! Punish him!

- By ancient custom, cut his hand off!

Let me go!

- He's still a kid, you can't do that!

- And can you steal? He'll learn!

- Stop, damn it, he's a Pole!

- A thief, not a Pole! Come on!

- What did you steal?

- Medication for my sister.

Let me go!

Get the f*ck out!

Lead him out! Lead him out!

Lead him out! Quickly, quickly!

Let's go!

IRAN, THE CAMP OF POLISH CIVILIANS

EVACUATED FROM THE USSR

- Madam Inspector.

- General.

Hello.

See, everything is healing nicely.

- What's your name?

- Alicja.

Here, this is for you.

- What's with him?

- He dreams of having the eagle.

And what's there?

People with infectious diseases.

Calm down, you punk,

if I didn't want to help you...

I'll do what I have to do,

then you can cut off whatever you want.

Jdrek!

You can't go in there!

Pola! I'm here.

I got the medication.

You'll live. Do you understand?

You'll live.

General, this punk

caused some trouble with the English.

He stole medication for his sister.

But Zahorski doesn't have a sister.

ITALY, 1944.

THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE ALLIED 8TH ARMY

ITALY, MAY 1944. THE CAMP OF THE

2ND POLISH CORPS AT MONTE CASSINO

General.

Captain Stanisaw Zahorski

of the armored forces.

A veteran of the September Campaign.

Under Maczek's command?

Jordanowo, General.

The Cross of Valor...

And Maczek gets rid of

such an experienced officer?

I'm looking for my siblings, General.

They were in the USSR.

Zahorski...

I've heard this name somewhere before.

What did you eat

on the side, Baka?

The doctor will come and give you

an enema, do you know that?

How are you?

A few more buckets, Wojtek.

Wait, Wojtek.

Calm down.

What happens now?

Come on, come on.

It'd be much easier if you got off.

It'd be easier, son, if you helped.

Calm down, Wojtek.

Let me see.

Do you have any tools?

Damn, I don't know.

The engine's stalled.

- Give it to me.

- Boys, damn it, can you hurry up?

Oh, how arrogant.

It should work.

Try now.

What's up?

The gentleman is not so bad.

Did he bite you, Wojtek?

My best regards.

Can we somehow repay the favor?

You can wait for me.

It's a birthday.

Best wishes.

Not mine, but God bless you. Bye.

And remember,

hammer it into the ambulance drivers:

no faster than five miles an hour.

You two, get that stretcher.

Doctor, you coordinate.

Pola, Zosia, you know what to do.

All the best on your birthday.

This is for you. You can wind it

and then it plays music.

It jams a bit, but I'll fix it for you.

Hello, Pola?

Where did you get it?

Have you stolen again?

- You'll get in trouble again.

- There'll be no trouble. It's loot.

It's nice that you remembered,

but now go.

We have a lot of work to do here now.

You'll give me this gift next time, okay?

Will I see you later?

Give some more...

- I need more clean bandages.

- On it.

This is the first time

we've evacuated the wounded

with open abdominal wounds

under enemy fire.

- Thank you.

- You look beautiful.

Thanks for the chat,

but Pola already has a date.

We didn't agree on that, Jdrek.

Sieniawski,

3rd "Kresowa" Infantry Regiment.

Zahorski. I work with the mules.

Let's go, Pola.

- Jdrek!

- She clearly doesn't want your company.

- She's taken.

- Is there a problem?

- Alright, let's go together.

- Pola...

Are you sure about this?

- Is the kid bothering you?

- No...

Let's take him to the cooler.

Take him to the basement

so he'll cool down!

Let it go.

Zahorski! You have a visitor.

Jdrek...

- Don't you recognize me?

- Staszek!

Hi!

- I thought that...

- It's all good.

What about Helcia?

Where is she?

What about Helcia?

Is she healthy? Alive?

She's alive.

Is she here?

They sent her with other women

to the Kirghiz SSR...

Because it's warm there.

And you left her?

Many people unfit for the army

remained in the Soviet Union.

You beat up an officer.

- It was about...

- About what?

Never mind. A gram of tobacco.

You're doing well.

You're an officer.

It's good to see you.

And you're evading the frontline

by working with the mules, right?

You don't respect the uniform.

You're a hooligan.

And this?

Who did you steal it from?

Our mother raised us to be tough.

Our father died in Katy.

And you?

Corporal!

Captain Zahorski?

Bellissimo.

I'll go with you if you allow me.

- American.

- No, thank you.

- Pity. Sugar gives you strength.

- Do we know each other?

First I met your brother, Captain.

How was the meeting

after all these years?

You won't find a topic

for an uplifting story here.

My brother's in jail.

And it seems he's facing trial.

- Is he an adult?

- He'll be eighteen in November.

Then it's a waste keeping him in jail.

A smart kid with character.

I found him too late.

I met this criminal before the w*r.

He showed off

his literary talent in the slammer.

Have you read

Lover of the Great Bear?

If not, I recommend it.

In any case,

this criminal regained his freedom.

It somehow reminded me

of your brother working with bears...

Rather with mules.

I'll stick to what I said

if you don't mind.

Mr. Editor...

If you could help him somehow...

I can't promise anything.

Private!

Drelicharz.

Welcome to the armored forces.

We're ready for inspection.

Good day.

Jdrek...

Jdrek...

Helcia?

Helcia...

I'm hungry.

He's roaring for you.

The company can't handle him.

Bravo!

Bravo, Wojtek!

Nice of you to show up.

I have a lot of work at the hospital.

I learn something new every day.

What about you?

Did you manage to save

all those with their guts open?

Yes, all six of them survived.

Doctor Mazanowski said that

no one had managed to do it before.

Jdrek...

Adam...

I mean, Lieutenant Sieniawski...

didn't file a complaint against you.

Who?

You come here

just to tell me this?

Jdrek, I'll be back.

I hope they'll release you soon.

Take care.

Zahorski! Wash yourself

and report back in fifteen minutes!

And your signature, Mr. Editor...

A commitment that you'll make sure

he comes back at night.

That's rather obvious.

I won't put him up with that bear.

Slow down! What is it about?

You're going under

the Editor's supervision.

This is arranged with your brother

as your legal guardian.

You're still underage.

Unless you'd rather rot in here.

You're staying here, Wojtek.

Don't cry. You have to stay here.

I'll get you some food in the evening.

He was supposed to stay inside!

Has he done something to you

that requires him to be in a cage?

Then take him there yourself.

Get in.

Me?

Who else?

The mitered prelate of Trakai?

Unless you can't drive.

Have you ever

held a camera in your hand?

- No, not at all.

- Good. You won't mess it up.

Just a little bit.

That's enough, thank you.

Move it.

I understand.

The press briefing is over.

Let's go.

If we attack

the monastery hill directly,

then hills 569, 575, 593,

"Specter," and "San Angelo"

will become fortresses

in their own right.

They will finish us off,

just like they finished off

all the previous att*cks.

So there's no other option

than a flanking maneuver,

depriving the monastery

of support fire.

What if we att*cked from the north,

in Passo Corno?

Then we'll cut off Monte Cassino

in one fell swoop.

German defense forces

intersect at Passo Corno.

We'd have to have

at least one more brigade

if we wanted to attack so widely.

And by treating the attack

on Passo Corno separately,

we are moving too far away

from the English 13th Corps.

Yes.

And we deprive ourselves

of a*tillery support.

Exactly.

There's no way to get closer.

The Rapido Valley is surrounded

by German fire from Cifalco.

"The Valley of Death."

What about attacking

706, 575, and "San Angelo"?

Then in the first phase we avoid

the fire from Albaneta and 593.

But we are then exposed

to heavy fire from Passo Corno.

I don't know what's worse.

There's no other solution.

We have to take 575 and "San Angelo,"

then 593 and 569,

and only then attack the monastery.

Right in the middle.

Did the Commander-in-Chief

accept this plan?

General Sosnkowski is now in London.

We are the ones

who have to decide.

So the "Carpathian"

will attack 593 and the monastery.

"Kresowa" att*cks 575,

"San Angelo," and "Specter."

The old man decided himself.

He didn't even consult with London.

Are you saying that

this insubordination allows us...

That's not the point.

This mountain has won with everyone:

the French, English, Americans...

...the Maori, Hindus, Moroccans.

- It's our turn.

- In tanks up the hill, to the bunkers?

For armored personnel

it's certain death.

Your brother will have it hot.

A Russian spy

walks through the streets of Berlin

and wonders why

people are staring at him so strangely.

And he thinks to himself:

is it because of the trapper hat?

Is it because of

the stench of moonshine?

Or it because of

the parachute trailing behind him?

Will this be a long stop?

Ask me and I'll ask you.

- Can we refill the water?

- Sure.

- Go.

- It'll come in handy for the radiator.

Enough.

CONTROL POINSUBMIT REPORTS

Just the one.

This idiot only allowed

one water bottle per person.

You'll need the water, kid.

If only you'd be more helpful, Kazek.

And you, Szapira,

don't teach me service or duties!

- Why are you such a suffragan?

- What?

Have a nice journey, Editor!

Here!

Take the junk and let's go.

What are you waiting for?

- Can we come through?

- Take cover.

Mortar. Grenade. One charge. 1500.

Attention to the right, three.

1500...

Attention, right, three. Load!

- Got the rope?

- Fire!

Unfledged cannon fodder.

Do this...

Listen, show him.

f*ck...

The angle needs to be changed.

Go on, now!

Mortar. Grenade. One charge.

On three!

One...

Right, four!

- Attention, right, four, load!

- Two...

Three!

Quickly!

sn*per, son of a b*tch...

Good day, Mr. Editor.

A report? Interview?

I just dropped by...

...to see

how the "desert rats" are doing.

It's tough, because it's harder

to "bite in" here...

The fleas bite into us instead.

When you go back, you'll have to...

I took the fucker down!

580, clear!

But sometimes

fate smiles upon us. Eh, angel?

It makes your mouth dry like a hangover

because of an older cousin.

Maybe you could

bring some water, angel?

And in the meantime,

the Editor and I...

Now you can go, no sweat.

On the way back

keep your ears at ass level!

The climb up the bottleneck

is a 40 degree incline slope.

In addition,

there are bunkers on both sides.

They're bristled with anti-t*nk g*ns.

There are also mines.

Is there any good news?

As usual, the mines

will be disarmed by sappers

in open terrain, under Kraut fire.

Pray for the soldiers' luck

of the sappers.

That's all. Thank you.

40 degrees uphill,

head-first into German bunkers...

That's impossible to do.

We'll get a*tillery support.

We won't sit back

and do nothing either.

- We'll cover the infantry.

- That's madness.

Like the whole idea

of conquering this monastery.

Captain Zahorski?

Yes. And you missy...

I'm sorry. Ms... Pola, right?

Jdrek and I travelled from Siberia

through Iran all the way to here.

Were you and Jdrek close?

Like kids, Captain.

Misfortune had brought us closer.

And here I signed up

for first aid courses...

but he, you surely noticed,

wanders from trouble to trouble.

But you'll sort him out, right?

As soon as it's all over.

That's good, because, you see...

He's an atheist.

But in Iran he prayed for one thing:

that his brother would survive.

And our sister, Helcia...

Have you met her?

No. He only mentioned you.

But we really got to

know each other in Buzuluk.

So Helcia was no longer with him.

Oh well.

Jdrek is now under supervision.

Ask for the Editor

and you'll find Jdrek.

Captain... Will we be

moving soon?

You don't have much time.

I don't have any left at all.

Come on! Come on!

It's for the one with that face

and the young one.

You have a very friendly ward.

I taught him well.

Fire!

Kid...

- Kid, are you alright?

- Jdrek!

Mr. Editor, it's time to go home.

Run, kid!

Do you have a car?

We do. Down there.

Student, calm down. Look at me.

It's alright. It's alright. Come.

Come, come. Help me!

Jdrek, help them! Help them!

Help me!

Medic!

- We're here.

- Doctor!

Doctor!

Take him.

- Doctor!

- Blood type?

- You can do it.

- What's his blood type?!

- B positive.

- B positive, quickly!

Onto the table at once!

I figured out that if...

...I can stand it

without a single grunt,

you'll go on a date with me today.

You're such a kid.

When it hurts,

you have to scream. It helps.

Yeah, right.

- Don't change the subject.

- Done.

We have a lot of work here.

Doctor Dietrich told us

to pack and get ready.

You see what's going on.

It's about this officer

of yours, right?

- It's him you're thinking about...

- Jdrek.

On the boat

everything was still fine.

- You were.

- We were kids, Jdrek.

I almost lost a hand in Iran for you.

What are you doing?

This is not the time or place.

Pola, go to Doctor Dehnel.

He needs assistance with the surgery.

I spoke with your brother.

He was asking about Helcia.

- And what did you tell him?

- Nothing.

But he said

he didn't have much time left.

Hands up.

Up.

Captain, this must be

some sort of rat.

Put it down, Lejtes.

He's my brother.

Are you sure?

Leave us alone.

What's this?

Did you want to ground me?

Do you know that if anyone else

caught you pouring sugar into the fuel,

you would be put

against the wall for sabotage?!

What's going on

in that head of yours, man!

What about you, smartass?

You should know enough

about this f*cked-up warfare

to know what is gambling

and what is su1c1de!

This is su1c1de, Staszek.

You're my only guardian.

And Helcia's.

This will end soon.

And me...

We need an older brother.

Somebody to take care of us. Alive.

You'll be of age in six months.

Don't you know what an order

in the army means?

I don't give a f*ck about orders.

This whole Monte Cassino is su1c1de.

And for what?

For the wops?

Who surrender

to anyone who is stronger?

For these dickheads from London,

who already turned their backs on us once?

This is not our land.

Staszek,

what are you risking your head for?

I'll smash your head

and you'll go to the infirmary.

Alright?

Be my guest.

What are you waiting for?

Go to the Editor.

Give the car back,

thank him for his care.

And go back to jail.

You won't survive here.

Maybe I need

a living brother to survive here.

Is Helcia alive?

She's alive.

I told you.

Then I'll live too.

But not for you.

For her...

Now go.

Wasn't that too harsh, Captain?

I had to. He wouldn't let go otherwise.

Lieutenant Wilkosz.

Two Crosses of Valor for Tobruk.

Rifleman Szapira.

Born Viennese.

He walked for two months from Magadan

to our army in Buzuluk.

- Medic Brzeziski

- a peasant from Lesser Poland.

At Tobruk,

he rescued 11 comrades under fire.

And Prchniewicz -

the Foreign Legion.

Narvik, Tobruk...

- A true badass.

- Pity the face doesn't match.

Imagine then, boy...

...that you may be

seeing them for the last time.

They're all going into battle.

Heroes all around.

I don't want to be one of them.

She resembles my youngest daughter.

Beautiful, smart...

but just a little stupid.

Stupid, because she didn't judge

this one badass bear handler well.

As if you did.

Son...

I've met so many people in my life...

From Mocicki to Piasecki.

And trust me...

The number of human types is finite.

Really, Jdrek. Female types too.

So don't be embarrassed.

Don't be embarrassed

to show her that...

you're interested in something

beyond the end of your nose.

- Who knows, maybe then...

- I'll go now. I need to feed Wojtek.

Mr. Editor?

What the hell?

Chaplain Studziski!

What is God bringing you with?

Mr. Editor... A mass.

General Anders requests your company.

The bald fox thinks that he'll keep me

in church, away from the battle...

Is the northward advance agreed on?

Bishop Gawlina himself

sends his regards.

- Jdrek!

- Yes?

Just don't think

you can keep me in church.

Pack the camera, we're leaving.

The mystery of faith.

We proclaim your Death, O Lord,

and profess your Resurrection

until you come again.

As we celebrate the Death

and Resurrection of your Son,

we offer you the holy Bread of life

and the Chalice of salvation.

And we thank you for counting us worthy

to stand in your presence

and serve you.

May all of us who share

in the body and blood of Christ

be brought together

in unity by the Holy Spirit.

Did you photograph the chief

before "W" hour?

I don't know if it turned out well.

Why, shouldn't I have?

"Shouldn't"? So you know such a word?

Keep the vehicles steaming.

We'll ride a bit today.

Damn! Pull over.

End of the line. We continue by foot.

Didn't you have enough slugs?

I may not come back, but I'll sh**t

every single one. Wanna bet?

Szapira, did you see?

My canteen was shot through. Damn it.

Hey!

Hey.

Thanks.

No, leave it. Look.

This should be extended,

and this is where you click.

Here you wind and click again.

Easy.

You can try it even

at night during fire.

It should get exposed. Just be careful,

it's a gift for my oldest daughter.

I need a lot of water.

As much hot water as possible. Quick!

Take the beds outside. Outside! Now!

Arrange them by the wall outside.

Now, faster, faster!

I need one clean room. Prepare it.

Inside!

Inside!

Take the beds outside. Here.

Place the beds in parallel,

one next to the other, OK?

Put the crates there.

Water. Boil as much water as possible.

It has to work, after all.

HILL 569

They will soon have

everything on a plate.

Lieutenant, shall we advance?

Shall we advance?

Let's go.

Forward!

Attack!

Lower!

- Come on!

- Come on!

Come on! Forward!

Run!

- Closer to the ground!

- Come on! Come on!

- Come on!

- Run!

Advance! Advance!

Come on! Forward!

Forward!

Forward!

- Up!

- Watch out!

Fire!

Suppress their fire, for God's sake!

Fire!

- Continuous fire! Come on!

- Fire!

Keep firing!

Fire!

Run!

Run!

Clear!

- Up!

- Forward!

Forward!

Advance!

sh**t!

Clear!

Forward!

Go!

Come on, come on, come on!

HILL 593

Forward!

Concentrate on 593

from the side of 569.

Come on! Forward!

Let's go!

Run!

Lieutenant Woowicz is down!

Who's leading?

Let's go!

Come on!

Man, you're out.

Go back down.

Back down!

Take him!

Cover!

Cover me!

Cover!

- How many of you are left?

- As many as you can see.

Follow me! Follow me!

What's up?

What's up?

What's up?

f*ck them!

I took so many magazines!

Angel, you're staying!

I don't have a hand.

You'll change magazines for me!

Don't move!

Don't move!

Cover!

Cover me!

I'm coming!

Cover!

On three.

One... Two... Three! Go!

Head!

Head!

Help... me...

It'll be alright.

Take him from me.

You... me... help!

- Take... yours.

- Yes, sir.

Enough of these stunts.

Go down to the field dressing point.

- Our men are still out there.

- That's an order.

You'll go as a messenger.

Report that we are holding on...

...and that there's no amm*nit*on.

Lieutenant.

Our men are still out there.

- Come.

- Sure.

Quick! Quick!

The "Carpathian" withdrew from 593

after six German counterattacks.

They hit our mortar amm*nit*on depot.

3,000 pieces gone to hell.

The Vilnius division

isn't on "Specter."

I repeat: the Vilnius division

isn't on "Specter."

The commanders

are to pull themselves together.

All those who died are to be replaced.

You have t*nk support.

Maintain current positions.

Of my three companies,

30 men are left.

And the total losses?

Speak, son.

That'll be about half a thousand dead.

Not counting the wounded and missing.

How was the attack?

Did you manage to take 569?

I don't know, it's all still going on.

- We got fire in the back.

- And what are the losses?

Man, don't bother us.

It hurts.

What now?

Just do your thing.

I was hit by shrapnel,

and then a b*llet

scratched me above the eye. But...

The head is intact.

The most important thing: the eyes.

Leave!

You too! That's enough!

In the name of the Father, the Son,

and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A hopeless case. By the wall.

By the wall.

This one to the hospital.

By the wall.

Hospital...

I didn't even have anything

to draw a cross on.

Nowhere to do it.

God bless.

If I don't survive, here's a letter.

Will you inform them, Father?

Kroszyn, Baranowicze district.

You won't go back home, Paszkiewicz.

The Soviets are in Baranowicze.

No!

Stop!

- What?!

- What are you doing?!

I've lost everyone!

I've lost almost everyone.

Adam!

I've lost...

almost everyone...

The idiot wanted to sh**t himself.

And she's no better.

What about Captain Zahorski's company?

Do you hear me?!

Do you know?

They're still there.

Stachu!

Stachu!

Stachu!

Jdrek...

Jdru!

Everything will be alright! Jdrek!

Staszek! You're alive!

Jdru!

You're alive...

Jdrek...

I'm hungry.

No!

No!

Can you see the row of white crosses?

That's where

Poles with honor took vows.

Walk forward - the further, the higher,

the more at your feet you'll find.

This land belongs to Poland,

although Poland is far away.

For freedom is measured by crosses,

that's history major mistake.

But, my angel, how can freedom

be measured by crosses?

The more people die,

the more the nation deserves freedom.

Am I right, Mister Konarski?

What about history's major mistake?

What's the deal with this mistake?

That it shouldn't be like this.

That everyone

should have freedom voluntarily.

And not pay for it with blood.

Don't you think?

Alright, now the chorus.

It's not over yet.

- No, I've quit.

- So have I.

Do you know that

the Germans call us "tourists"?

They mean we only move, not fight.

Russia, Iran, Palestine...

And we keep getting tricked.

Like whelps,

who want to go hunting with grown men,

so they stay up all night

to avoid missing out on anything.

Do you think we don't know

that the Allies are purposefully

not in a hurry to get here?

Because they are afraid to

enter Germany before the Soviets?

Hence all these...

"unsuccessful" att*cks.

It's our reason of state to open

the road to Rome as soon as possible.

And further.

You can't let go now.

If only for the sake of those

who have already died here.

- Anyway, it's the same with politics

- we're dealt a hopeless hand.

We are at a total impasse.

What next?

I take this responsibility upon myself.

Entirely.

Go, talk to him.

There's something brewing in that head.

But I don't know what.

Thank you for being there for him.

Let at least one of us survive.

So, after everything,

he can take care of...

Helcia.

As long as she's found.

TRUSKAVETS 1938

Do you think

there will be another attack?

Give it to Jdrek.

Is Helcia...

...no more?

She died on Buzuluk. I didn't

manage to bring her back alive.

But I won't tell him this.

Only when this is over.

And what if it's too late?

POLISH SOLDIER! ARE THESE THE COLOURS

OF YOUR COUNTRY? NO! THEY'RE BRITISH!

DO YOU KNOW

WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE NOW?

German m*therf*ckers. They want to

break us with the fate of our children.

Gentlemen, I wanted to give the order

to repeat the attack immediately.

But the English also failed.

We must cover the enemy

with fire from all positions held.

Give the British 13th Corps

a chance to regroup.

We'll wait for the English.

Advise the soldiers to be patient.

Have our medical services

suffered so much

that they are sending

the fairer sex to the line?

- Orders are orders, Lieutenant.

- Hey, angel!

Does the lieutenant have water?

I could do with some!

f*ck them! Be careful!

Thanks!

Cover!

Fire at the enemy!

Press it, you hear me?

Hold your fire!

- I have to take him back.

- Will you manage?

When we start playing, go for it!

- You have to help me.

- Of course.

They won't sh**t at the wounded.

Fire at the enemy!

Angel!

sh**t, m*therf*ckers!

Come on! Come on!

Is this about this officer of yours?

No.

So?

I was taking a wounded man down.

A German sn*per shot him.

On my back. Do you understand?

And this one corpse hurt you so much?

Look! It's one big death house here.

And what for?

They're all just being suckers!

- The most important thing is...

- Not a word more, you punk!

You're supposed to tell me

what's most important?

Beyond the end of your nose?

You could at least respect the people

around you, and not call them suckers.

Go and don't show yourself to me again!

Someone needs to

put you off this heroism, understand?

Before they sh**t you!

I thought

you'd learn something here.

And you're still this punk,

a petty thief from Magadan.

Stay away.

From the w*r...

...and from me.

Son, apparently you know mechanics.

Our generator is broken,

we have no light.

We can't operate.

General.

For my faithful service,

I ask one thing.

For permission

to join my home unit.

593?

Major?

We should, shouldn't we?

Poland is far away, but...

Yes. We should.

Thank you.

- For glory.

- Jdrek!

General, it has begun.

The English with the 13th Corps

crossed the Rapido.

They will tie up all German reserves.

Give the signal to attack. To everyone.

To all units. I repeat.

Jdrek, that's enough!

Hand it over!

Why aren't you interviewing them?

Why aren't you talking to them?

Before they die.

That's what you're here for.

Why doesn't anyone

tell them it's stupid?

That's why I'm here, son, not to

let them be forgotten. You understand?

Look around!

Look around at what's going on here!

Consider whether you're the only one

who's right and they're all fools!

Maybe whether they win here has

some significance for them after all!

Although Poland is far away.

For freedom is measured by crosses.

That's history's major mistake.

Doctor, I'm here

to see medic Apolonia Swaniewicz.

Don't bother us now, son,

you see what's happening here.

I just need a minute.

I have news... about her family.

You'll have to wait.

Medic Swaniewicz joined

the "Carpathians" at her own request.

They are going to 593.

God be with them.

It has begun...

I have to...

...go.

I have to...

Thank you.

They're about to

clear the path of mines.

Then the tanks

will take up firing positions.

The sappers are entering!

The sappers are entering!

On the left!

We have to shield them.

Sappers in disarray.

The infantry will enter

from the direction of Albaneta.

If the tanks don't take up

their positions

and destroy the bunkers,

there'll be a m*ssacre at Albaneta.

Make them wait.

a*tillery is shelling their positions.

They'll suffer

smaller losses if they wait.

But then the attack

will be asynchronous.

Forward!

Forward!

Forward, brothers!

Aim! Fire!

Forward, brothers! Go!

Attack!

Don't die! Hey! Please!

f*ck, please don't die!

Is there any way

to support the sappers?

A report from the sappers' commander:

losses - half of the company.

We don't stand a chance

without fire support.

I'm moving into position.

I'll cover them.

This is Drelicharz.

Risk of losing tanks too high.

Go, Lejtes.

Forward!

Pola!

Pola!

Pola!

Fire!

Pola!

Redhead?

Load the armor-piercing shells.

Target at eleven o'clock.

Armor-piercing.

Fire!

Can the sappers operate?

I repeat: can the sappers continue?

We have to we risk the tanks moving

forward without clearing the mines.

"Scorpion 1,"

can you continue the attack?

No. Never mind their mines.

But there are about 20 of our wounded

lying there. I won't run them over.

We need covering fire, a stronger one.

Duch, how are things going with you?

We're pinned down by fire on 593.

We can't move!

Get me the command

of the 8th. Immediately.

"Scorpion 2,"

"Scorpion 3," enter the positions,

provide cover fire from machine g*ns!

Who's alive, get out of the vehicles

and pull out the wounded!

Cover me!

Father, do you want to

be another Skorupka?

Why? Am I to abandon my sheep?

Our soldiers are closer

by about 400 meters.

Each minute counts.

Keep driving before they sh**t through.

- Whack this bastard.

- What about them?

Go, son,

so that all this won't all be in vain!

Am I to...

In open text...?

That's something at least.

Gentlemen, everything's in our heads.

"Scorpion 2," "Scorpion 3"!

Follow me, forward!

Target at 2 o'clock!

Distance - about 120 meters.

Understood.

Strong fire at 2 o'clock.

There's no other way!

We have to drive up this mountain!

It's impossible, commander.

It's too steep.

Nothing is impossible for a Jew!

Look in the Good Book!

My eyes

I can't see anything.

"Scorpion 2," we won't manage.

Drelicharz, what's the situation?

We lost "Scorpion 3."

What's going on? Copy!

Numbers one and two

are continuing the attack.

Commander speaking. Evaluation?

They're entering the steep slope

of the "Bottleneck" from the east.

There are several

strong enemy points there.

But it's hellishly steep.

It's only 25 degrees.

We can do it!

Plough through! Dziunek...

Try following in my tracks,

it will be easier.

How are you, Lejtes?

Dziunek, take that anti-t*nk g*n down!

I'll clean the slope.

Turn around!

Target at 9 o'clock!

Armor-piercing.

Fire!

The slope at the "Bottleneck"

the right flank is clear.

"Scorpion 1," confirm.

The slope at the "Bottleneck",

the right flank is clear.

Commander speaking. I confirm.

General Duch, give an order

to the infantry. Let's press the Krauts.

HILL 593

Pola!

Kid...

- Give me your piece.

- I don't have one.

f*ck off.

I'm telling you:

get the f*ck out if you want to live.

Where are you?

- Get the f*ck out!

- Come here!

- I need help!

- Where are you?

Here! Quick!

To hell.

Grenade!

Attack!

Come on! Forward!

Attack!

Medic! Here!

Come on!

Take the piece. Take the piece!

Reload.

- Cover me.

- Ready!

Give it to me!

Let's go!

Cover!

Come on! To the left!

Let's go!

No! No!

Come on! No!

Go...

Go on.

He's alive.

It's alright, kid.

You'll make it. Hold on.

Take him.

On the table with him, quickly!

Anesthetize him!

Anesthetize him!

Hang in there, son.

Everything will be fine. Hang in there.

The Germans withdrew

from the monastery.

The English also confirmed.

Wadek...

How did you know?

The Germans had to finally crack.

Ask them to report the losses.

Jdrek...

Wake up, Jdrek.

Wake up.

Where's my eye? Where's my eye?

Where's my eye?

Where's... eye?

My eye...

Why is everyone looking

like they're at a funeral?

I lost... I lost an eye, right?

Forgive me, Jdrek.

Anders himself

wants to decorate you, but...

They're afraid of your big mouth.

Pass me a mirror.

You cared least about it, and now...

everyone in the "Carpathian"

is talking about you, Jdrek.

I cared about you.

Pass... me... that mirror.

We cut the Allies a way to Rome.

They'll forget about it.

As long as the opening

of the front in France is successful.

So, was it worth it?

Soldiers will feel like they've won

for the first time in this w*r.

At least for a few months

they'll become heroes, winners.

And you don't feel that way?

I only know that it was necessary.

Please write it like that.

We must be a loyal ally until the end.

No matter what.

I've quit.

Don't touch it.

If you want,

I'll make one for you, too.

We'll go to work

at a circus together, Wojtu.

Together.

POLAND - ROME - PARIS

SAN FRANCISCO - BUZULUK - MARRAKESH

THE DECISIVE CHARGE ON

THE MONTE CASSINO MONASTERY

AND THE SURROUNDING GERMAN POSITIONS,

AFTER FAILED att*cks

BY AMERICAN, NEW ZEALAND,

WAS CARRIED OUBY SOLDIERS FROM THE 2ND POLISH CORPS

ON MAY 17 AND 18, 1944.

"WERE I GIVEN THE CHOICE

AMONG ANY SOLDIERS

WHICH I WOULD LIKE TO

HAVE UNDER MY COMMAND,

I WOULD CERTAINLY

CHOOSE YOU - THE POLES."

HAROLD ALEXANDER,

FIELD MARSHAL OF THE BRITISH ARMY