Aria for an Athlete (1979): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1979, Aria for an Athlete is a drama and history film directed by Filip Bajon, running about 108 minutes.

What it’s about. Set at the turn of the century it presents a story of a famous Polish athlete, Zbyszko Cyganiewicz. It begins in a small town where a traveling circus attracts a shy boy into a phony wrestling game to please the crowds. The youth, however, takes his strength seriously, eventually defeating a name wrestler in a fair match. Angered circus manager fires him; he leaves happily due to two wrestler brothers who were harassing him. The wrestler goes on to fame, performing in the world's top arenas, and one day is serenaded by a tenor from the crowd. Fame brings him women and admirers but he is uncompromising on his profession. He has his revenge on one of his tormentors defeating him in the ring. One day, attending a game in a tuxedo, he is challenged by another of the brothers and drawn into a brutal game, in course of which he kills his opponent. Thus his career ends.

Who’s in it. Aria for an Athlete stars Krzysztof Majchrzak as Władysław Góralewicz, Pola Raksa as Cecylia, żona Góralewicza, Bogusz Bilewski as "Cyklop" Bieńkowski and Roman Wilhelmi as Bolcio Rogalski, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.6/10, Aria for an Athlete has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Aria for an Athlete page.

If you liked it. Fans of Aria for an Athlete tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.