While we plan to bid adieu to 2023, Netflix takes us back to the 17th century with a new Polish show on its ever-growing palette.

A concoction of unusual genres, 1670 is the latest series from the region. 

Firstly, it is a mockumentary, meaning the show depicts fictional events in a documentary-style narrative.

Secondly, 1670 is deadpan, offbeat, and witty while keeping intact the features of a TV Comedy.

Exciting, isn’t it?

There are eight episodes that run for approximately four hours in total.

Here is my review outlining the strengths and flaws of this Polish show.

1670 Synopsis

Jan Pawel Adamczewski, a zany patriarch and nobleman, deals with family feuds, neighborly quarrels, and daily life chores in the quest to become the most famous Jan Pawel in the history of Poland.

Image Credits: Netflix

Directed by Maciej Buchwald and Kordian Kadziela, 1670 stars Bartlomiej Topa (Jan Pawel), Katarzyna Herman (Zofia), Martyna Byczkowska (Aniela), Michal Sikorski (Jakub), Michal Balicki (Stanislaw), Andrzej Klak (Andrzej), Dobromir Dymecki (Bogdan), and Kiryl Pietruczuk (Maciej).

What Works for 1670?

New and innovative concepts are always welcome in the realm of fiction. 1670 could be the proud torch bearer of the same. 

The show is outrightly witty, humorous, and unconventional. 

Visibly, the story is set in the year 1670 and follows the life of a noble family whose patriarch is Jan Pawel

He lives in the village Adamczycha, owned by him and Andriecjk, with the latter having a bigger share. 

Pawel’s goal is to become rich and famous for his accomplishments, which are zero in number. Maintaining class division is his priority since hundreds of peasants work under him as slaves. 

The cinematography allows for the aura of 1670 to settle in quickly having muddy fields, shabby clothes, and bygone shacks as the main features. 

Image Credits: Netflix

From there emerges a casual tale of unabridged humor. 1670’s writing blends the social dialogue of that era with modern society.

You sense freedom in the way the show has been penned. Putting idiosyncrasy to the best use isn’t as easy as assumed.

Hence, it’s important to credit the writers behind 1670.

Consequently, you are able to grab a healthy laugh. The conversations are all witty in essence, ameliorated by quirky characters, who make the show a pleasant watch. 

Also, thanks to the pacey storyline that fun never turns into boredom. The offbeat visualization works wonders for 1670. 

Image Credits: Netflix

It keeps you engaged without making things complicated. 

I am someone who doesn’t have a liking for period dramas or setups. 

But the Polish show instantly had my attention for its relaxed and sarcastic screenplay. If you are someone fond of ancient music equipment, 1670’s background score is the thing to look out for.

Moreover, the show is about presenting contrasting social values of the 17th century comically. 

From climate change to pride and prejudice (not the book), several topics of discussion find a place in 1670.

How are the Performances?

Bartlomiej Topa is the captain of the ship. Portraying Jan Pawel, he makes comedy look easy. There’s a scene where his uneducated character attempts to read a letter. 

Topa’s pauses and reflective howls make it a moment to remember. He elevates several such sequences with his impeccably unwavering art. You’ll love him for his depiction.

Last seen in Absolute Beginners, the endearing Martyna Byczkowska plays Aniela in 1670. Her demeanor is cherishing and mesmerizing as she goes on to be the face of change. 

Image Credits: Netflix

Martyna is one of those rare actors who can spill magic straightaway using their effortless facial expressions. 

In 1670, her deadpan outlook evokes fun in the most unexpected situations.

Kiryl Pietruczuk as Maciej leaves an impact. His evolving screen presence, even though less in quantity, goes on to show his astuteness as an actor. 

Custom Keychains

Custom Keychains are also often used as carriers of emotional attachment. Fans can purchase keychains with Martyna-related elements to express their love and support for the characters she portrays. By incorporating her classic looks, iconic props, or costume elements into the design of the keychains, fans demonstrate their special affection and attention towards the characters, which also strengthens the emotional bond between the fans and the characters.

Also, versatility precedes loud dilutions in Kiryl’s fruitful efforts.

Michal Sikorski amazingly pans out in 1670 as Jakub. His hurried yet nuanced display of straight-faced brilliance steers the series to new heights.

As it happens mostly, everybody else has played their part brilliantly. It isn’t easy to ace comedy but the cast of 1670 takes things in their hand to advance the script.

What Doesn’t Work for 1670?

There’s nothing that goes wrong for 1670. Comedy is in ample quantity, the concept is built perfectly, and the storyline produces a good output. 

If anything, you can call some jokes ‘cheap,’ but I think that was the whole purpose of making a mockumentary.

Stream or Skip?

1670 ditches the conventional and manages to remain funny. So, I would say it’s a must-watch.

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