‘The Getaway King’ (‘Najmro: Kocha, kradnie, szanuje’), directed by Mateusz Rakowicz (‘Romantik’), fictionalizes a life of crime with an explosion of colors and a hint of pity. While chronicling Poland throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the film depicts the rise and fall of Zdzislaw Najmrodzki, a well-known Polish robber. For his 29 exploits, Najmrodzki has been dubbed “King of Thieves” and “The Getaway King.”

While presenting an elaborate affair with brilliant colors and a catchy original tune, the film also manages to root its heroine in Poland’s grim transition-era environment. Despite adhering to several common crime drama cliches, it attempts to boost the ante by attempting a handful of new things. Given the circumstances, the use of television remains critical. It also incorporates appropriate media clips to connect the story to the assumed reality. However, the hurried ending may unnerve you to some level; in that case, let us illuminate. SPOILERS FOLLOW.

Plot Synopsis for The Getaway King

The story opens in 1988 in neon-infused Poland, where charismatic robber Zdzislaw Najmrodzki trims his mustache before traveling to a spectacular party. He and his delinquent associates break into multiple Pewex stores in the background (Polish communist-era stores selling luxury goods). The cops are still perplexed. Barski, a Civilian’s Militia lieutenant, and his dimwitted sidekick Ujma work hard to solve the case and put an end to the robberies. Barski observes that Najmrodzki and his gang are covering their entrance routes with posters from the film ‘Curse of Snakes Valley’ (‘Klatwa Doliny Wezy’). Najmrodzki encounters Tereska while on a journey to obtain more posters after his marriage falls apart.

On several times, the authorities come dangerously near to apprehending Najmrodzki. The thief, on the other hand, makes a joke of the law. In one incident, he nonchalantly exits the courtroom by jumping out the window. After buttering Barski for a bit, the investigators bring him in for questioning, but he escapes from the Militia headquarters. In one occasion, Barski is on the verge of death, and Najmrodzki resolves to save him. When an economically depleted Poland is on the verge of a transformation, Najmrodzki develops a taste for car theft. He is injured once more. After escaping through a tunnel, the authority orders that Najmrodzki be shot on sight. His associate Antos turns against him while he is caught in his last dance. Najmrodzki finds himself in the midst of a tense situation with no fair playing field.

Is Najmrodzki Dead or Alive at the End of The Getaway King? Whose Hand Do The Cops Discover?

Najmrodzki is eventually released from prison after the newly elected Polish president hears his petition. Meanwhile, the Berlin Wall has collapsed, and Poland’s governmental and economic systems have undergone significant changes. People had easy access to western items with colorful packaging after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and there was an aura of progress. Then, in the mid-1990s, the recession hit, and the economy became shaky. Najmrodzki notices that he is no longer in the spotlight at this point.

Furthermore, Najmrodzki is in danger, and his family is also in danger. Antos joined another wealthy criminal group while Najmrodzki was in prison. Antos is now on the hunt for Najmrodzki, threatening Mira. Ujma, on the other side, is promoted to lieutenant following the display of aggression at the car market. Under duress, Barski must resign from the department. Mira requests that he protect Najmrodzki’s safety because he is a competent cop.

Finally, an exciting vehicle chase action takes place between the crazy Antos on the one hand and Najmrodzki and Barski on the other. While Barski flees the scene, a car catches fire. The police decide that Najmrodzki is dead after discovering a chunk of an arm. Najmrodzki’s family remains in shock following the police pronouncement, amidst a rushed burial. Mira, Mira’s lover Hippie, Tereska, Barski, and others lament their loss at the table.

Meanwhile, Antos and his group rush into the room to offer their sympathies. Barski magically revives Najmrodzki moments later, seemingly out of nowhere. However, the family is overjoyed to see Najmrodzki in such good health and spirits, and the audience cannot grumble. However, we are unsure who owns the hand. Looking at the bandage on Najmrodzki’s arm, it’s clear that he had to make a “handy” sacrifice in order to avoid both the law and the criminal underworld.

Are Najmrodzki and Tereska destined to be together?

Despite their age disparities, Najmrodzki and Tereska appear to be a rather dynamic relationship. They happen to meet by happenstance as Najmrodzki goes to the movies to obtain additional posters for his hidden embezzlement plan. However, Najmrodzki is out of luck because the old girl behind the counter with whom he had a connection has departed the company.

Tereska, on the other hand, knows her place and does not like to break the rules. Najmrodzki is forced to buy ten tickets for a movie he has no intention of seeing at her urging. Despite being the sole one in the theater, Najmrodzki decides to see the film. He strikes up a chat with Tereska outside the hall. Tereska offers him a ride after his car breaks down.

Tereska sticks at Najmrodzki’s side till the end, even when he is in jail. She offers to marry him in exchange for his working on himself. At the end of the 1980s, Najmrodzki moves to low-risk activities such as car theft, but the law eventually catches up with him. He’s back in prison, this time with a longer term on his back. Najmrodzki, on the other hand, manages to reassure Tereska by reading to her at the start of his letter to the president.

When Najmrodzki is released from prison, we all assume he would end up with Tereska. In this perilous position, where we don’t know whether Najmrodzki is dead or alive, hope is fading. However, as the lovers reconcile in the epilogue, Najmrodzki pledges Tereska that he would avoid crime and live a moral life. The film concludes with the promise and anticipation of a kiss. As a result, we agree that Najmrodzki and Tereska will end up together.