Victor researches and collects folk music. He meets Zula at an audition at the National Academy of Arts. Her energy and boldness make him feel something special, and soon they are deeply in love. The Soviet system uses art as a propaganda tool, and Victor decides to seek asylum. He asks Zula to go with him, but their fates are mixed. From Poland to Berlin, Yugoslavia and Paris, they repeatedly meet and break up. The film features Victor and Zula’s love and music in the age of confusion through the black and white. Beginning with the melody of a string instrument, dance and music throughout the entire film sometimes replace the emotions. Victor′s musical performance is miserable after losing Zula. Musical genres are arranged depending on time and place from traditional music to jazz, rock-and-roll and Mexican music. The camera reveals Zula’s passion and provocation. The director’s second black-and-white film after Ida and adds further depth by using heavy black tones. Joanna Kulig excels as the free, spontaneous and passionate character Zula. It’s a beautiful movie with layered depth, which makes the heart pound. It won the Best Director Award at Cannes. (Erica Nam)