Is there a link between this and the book? I couldn't find it, at least there should be a link at the top. I'll put that on if no one gets to it, or I was 'temporarily blinded'. Evan 00:18, 2 August 2006 (UTC)Reply
I removed the following sections because it reads as way too much original research and essay. It would be very easy, however, to make the very same points by simply quoting from the essay that is linked. I did move the great screenshot into the synopsis section RoyBatty42 22:39, 3 April 2007 (UTC)Reply
== Interesting shots in the film ==
[[Image:Ashes_And_Diamonds_screenshot.png|thumb|left|280px|The shot where the Cross is hanging upside down]]
There are several interesting shots in the film:
* The shot where Maciek lights a vodka glass for each of his dead mates, symbolising brotherhood and remembrance
* The shot where the crucifix is hanging upside down, symbolising the disillusionment of people in God
* The shot when Maciek is shot and covers himself in the white laundry, effectively painting the Polish flag (white+red), symbolising national pride
* The shot where Maciek is shot and dies on the top of a heap of trash, symbolising the value of life
== Interpretation ==
The meaning of the film can essentially summarised in poem from which the title came from:
"So often, are you as a blazing torch with flames
of burning rags falling about you flaming,
you know not if flames bring freedom or death.
Consuming all that you must cherish
if ashes only will be left, and want Chaos and tempest
Or will the ashes hold the glory of a starlike diamond
The Morning Star of everlasting triumph." (Poem by Norwid)
The poem is read by Krystyna, on the wall of crypt they visit with Maciek.
The film asks several important question from the viewer: Is death, no matter how you try to justify it, senseless? Is it better to live, while on your knees or die standing straight? Are ideals worth dying for?
There are, of course, no answers in the film. In fact, if anything, the film tries to convey that nothing is black or white, and even the 'bad guys' are people and they have lost comrades in the war, too - this dialog is parallel to the dialog with the burning vodkas.
