Der Kristallspiegel

In the spring of 1946 a Warsaw historian named Wojtek travels to a small Polish town to study the Renaissance, chasing scholarly clues amid a landscape still shaking from the war. The town is caught between two stark visions of the future: the Soviet backed People's Government pressing for nationalization and social reform, and exile factions insisting on restoring the old order through violence. As street clashes, political hearings, and rumors of banditry spill into everyday life, Wojtek moves from a cautious observer to a local participant who uses his knowledge to defend the emerging power of the people. The story blends archival mood with intimate portraits of teachers, officials, and ordinary citizens as they negotiate loyalty, risk, and moral responsibility.

Directed by Gerhard Respondek, the film was released in 1968 and draws on stories by Zbigniew Nienacki and Bernhard Thieme. Otto Mellies stars as Wojtek, with Bianca Cavallini as Anastazja and Fritz Mohr, Herwart Grosse, and Wilfried Ortmann among the supporting cast, creating a tense historical atmosphere.

Box office information for Der Kristallspiegel is not readily available in public records, reflecting its archival status and limited release. No widely cited worldwide gross figures have been documented for this title.

There are no well known awards or nominations recorded for this title. The film seems to have flown under the radar of major international festivals, with its reputation resting on the historical context and Respondek’s direction rather than a trophy haul.

The film foregrounds a tense postwar landscape where historical study intersects with political power. It questions allegiance, agency, and how ordinary people respond when institutions shift, offering a sober reflection on moral responsibility amid competing visions of social reform and national destiny. Its measured tone contrasts with the era's upheaval, inviting viewers to weigh the costs of change and the fragility of cultural memory.