Lisowczycy

Alexander Joseph Lisowski was born around 1575, and served as a common soldier under Jan Potocki in the campaign against the Wallachian hospodar. Later, as the leader of a confederation of rebellious soldiers, he became famous for plunder and arbitrariness. He was sentenced to banishment for this. He then enlisted in the service of Dmitri Samozwaniec. He was already a commander shrouded in legend when the stigma of infamy was lifted from him. He returned to Poland and created his famous cavalry, later known in Europe as the Polish cavalry or Lisowczycy, after its creator.

Directed by Krzysztof Lang, Jerzy Celiński, Lisowczycy leans on a strong ensemble — Piotr Fronczewski, Tadeusz Paradowicz, Andrzej Szenajch — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1993.