A feature film by Andrzej Żulawski, one of the most controversial Polish directors and who continues to be shrouded in legend. Ambitious and visionary science fiction abounds with references to religion, history and culture. The communist regime halted filming two weeks before completion, and the director had to abscond from Poland. Żulawski returned to complete the film ten years later with para-documentary footage from Poland and a voiceover. The film premiered at Cannes on May 12, 1988 in the non-competitive section.