How I Became a Gangster (original title: Jak Zostałem Gangsterem. Historia Prawdziwa) is a Polish crime drama film directed by Maciej Kawulski. The movie follows the life of an unnamed protagonist (played by Marcin Kowalczyk) who rises through the ranks of Warsaw’s criminal underworld, chronicling his journey from a young delinquent to a feared gangster. The story is loosely based on true events and provides a gritty, realistic look at organized crime in Poland.
The Beginning – A Young Man’s Fascination with Crime
The film opens with the protagonist as a young boy in Poland, growing up fascinated by the criminal world. He idolizes gangsters and quickly learns the rules of survival on the streets. As he grows older, he becomes involved in small-time crimes, showing both ambition and intelligence in navigating the underworld.
Making a Name in the Criminal World
The protagonist quickly rises through the ranks, using a mix of violence, charisma, and strategy. He teams up with his closest friend Walden (Tomasz Włosok), and together they build their own small gang, carrying out robberies, smuggling, and eventually working for powerful crime lords. Unlike many reckless criminals, he operates with discipline and professionalism, which earns him respect from both allies and rivals.
Love, Loyalty & Power Struggles
Despite his violent profession, the protagonist is depicted as having a strong code of loyalty, especially towards his best friend Walden. However, as he gains more power, internal conflicts begin to arise. While he starts developing a romantic relationship that gives him a glimpse of a normal life, his growing criminal empire attracts the attention of both law enforcement and rival gangs.
The Downfall – Betrayal & Consequences
As the protagonist reaches the peak of his power, he realizes that the criminal world is built on fragile alliances. Betrayals begin to unfold, leading to tragic consequences. His closest friendships are tested, and he starts losing control over his empire. Law enforcement tightens its grip, and his enemies close in on him.
The Ending Explained
The movie concludes on a tragic yet inevitable note. The protagonist’s rise to power was fueled by his intelligence and ruthlessness, but in the end, he is forced to pay the price for his choices. Whether through imprisonment, death, or being left with nothing, his fate serves as a cautionary tale about the brutal realities of organized crime.
Themes
The Cost of Power: The protagonist starts out wanting to be the best, but in the end, he realizes that power comes at a steep price.
Loyalty & Betrayal: The bond between him and Walden is central to the story, showing how friendships in crime are always tested.
Illusion of Control: Even though the protagonist tries to manage his criminal empire strategically, he learns that control in the underworld is always temporary.
Reviews
Positive Reviews:
- IMDb Users: Many viewers praised the film for its engaging storytelling, strong performances, and atmospheric depiction of the Polish underworld. One user noted, “This movie is surprisingly good. I didn’t expect much when I pressed play. Very good actors and acting. Very good storytelling.” IMDb
- Reddit Discussions: Some Reddit users expressed appreciation for the film’s authenticity and character development. A commenter mentioned, “I love the movie, I was hoping to find out through Reddit who the protagonist actually is.” Reddit
Mixed or Negative Reviews:
- The Guardian: The film was criticized for being cliché-ridden and self-important, with the reviewer stating, “Based on real events, this story of Polish gangsters fighting each other and abusing women is self-important and cliche-ridden.” The Guardian
- Roger’s Movie Nation: The review highlighted the film’s reliance on familiar tropes and excessive narration, stating, ” ‘How I Became a Gangster’ trots out every plot device, every trope and every cliché of every gangster picture of the past twenty years and gives them all a coke-flavored Polish accent.” Movie Nation
Audience Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: Audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes are mixed, with some viewers finding it entertaining despite its flaws. One review noted, “While ‘How I Became a Gangster’ is full of tired tropes and misogyny and adds little value to the genre as a whole, it’s still a rather entertaining piece.” Rotten Tomatoes
Conclusion
How I Became a Gangster (2020) is a gripping and intense crime film that blends action, drama, and psychological depth. Unlike many gangster films that glamorize crime, this one offers a raw and realistic portrayal of the dark side of power. It serves as both an entertaining crime saga and a tragic cautionary tale about the dangers of the criminal world.
