Mini-review: Ashes & Diamonds

Post-war Polish film which uses the journey a particular individual takes in terms of emotions, changing loyalties and priorities to tell in microcosm the country's own story. There's a number of memorable scenes which felt familiar from later Hollywood fare - even the blu-ray cover resembles the Schwarzenegger movie poster pose in Terminator 2.  Acting is also generally very good and aiming for realism, although feels little mannered at times.  Lastly, worth bearing in mind that the film assumes you are familiar with the context i.e. last day of the Second World War in Poland - which 70+ years later is unlikely. Reading the booklet enclosed with the blu-ray or relevant wikipedia entry may help increase your enjoyment from the film.

Who was inspired by who?