Inspired by true events and beautifully crafted, an epic tale spanning 45 years (1900-1945) that  follows the fate of the Prussian von Krauss family. Set against the backdrop of tumultuous history of the Kashubian region and three nations inhabiting the former Polish-German borderland -  the Kashubs, Poles, and Germans, The Butler is a remarkable story not to be missed.

The film tells the story of a secret love between Kashubian boy Mateusz (Sebastian Fabijański) and German aristocrat Marita (Marianna Zydek), with whom Mateusz grew up. Spanning over four decades, it shows the complex attitudes and choices made by people living in the Puck area in Northern Poland when the new border set after the First World War divided not only the land but also its German, Kashubian, and Polish inhabitants, causing hatred and riots.

Mateusz Krol is a Kashubian boy taken in by Prussian aristocrat Gerda von Krauss (Anna Radwan) after his mother dies, and grows up in her palace with her own children. The daughter of the von Krausses, Marita, is the same age as Mateusz. The two grow closer together and fall madly in love with each other. While living with the von Krauss family, Mateusz retains close bonds with his godfather, Bazyli Miotke (Janusz Gajos), a Kashubian patriot who takes part in the Peace Conference at Versailles, fighting for Kashubia to have its place on the map of Poland. The Treaty of Versailles grants Poland its independence, but it also brings major power shifts in the region, causing the von Krauss family to lose their property and influence. Everyone can feel that the world as they know it is about to change drastically.  

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"The Butler" reminds us of a cinema that almost no longer exists in Poland. Visionary, visual and sensual. Filip Bajon created a great costume fresco, taking care of every fine detail, made with care, strong directorail leadership and great engagment of the crew. — Łukasz Maciejewski, Onet Film

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A production of this scale does not happen in Poland often and that in itself needs to be appraciated. This is a well-thought-out and successful film, one that stands out when compared with other recent films by Bajon.— Łukasz Kułakowski, Movies Room 

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