'Johnny,' a Polish film about a recovering criminal who meets a catholic priest while working community service hours, is a heartfelt story about redemption and empathy. The film also features Dawid Ogrodnik as a supporting actor, as well as a character's abusive childhood.
Synopsis of the Johnny Plot
Patryk is narrated while we see snippets from Father Jan's life. His clergy superior, the Archbishop, is against such a proposal, but Father Jan persists. The priest's life is on the ticking clock.
Patryk is soon released from prison after spending time with the family and becoming fond of him in return. Likewise, the patients who initially were suspicious and judgmental of Patryk soon realize the goodness inside of him and become fond of him in return. At the same time, Father Jan's condition starts to worsen.
Does Father Jan Kaczkowski Die at the End of Johnny?
Father Jan is diagnosed with Glioblastoma early on in the film. It does not take center stage in the narrative. Instead, the focus is on Father Jan's legacy and the challenges that terminally ill people face in their lives, other than mortality.
Patryk has a hard time dealing with death after becoming involved. Patryk has yet to learn how to let people go for selfish reasons. Father Jan helps him understand that unconditional love for terminally ill persons cannot be substituted for selfishness throughout the narrative.
Patryk discovers Father Jan in his office, with his condition worsening. Instead, Patryk visits him and holds his hand. He tells him about his firstborn after Jan, years after his diagnosis.
What Happens to Patryk at the End?
Patryk goes through a tense character development phase throughout the film. At the start of the movie, Patryk is in a very dark place in his life. He has a drug addiction and is often sentenced to prison after encountering a law violation. At home, he has a neglectful father who has done an awful job of raising him. However, once he starts working in the Hospice, Father Jan shows him kindness and empathy and he makes a friend in the priest.
Father Jan helps Patryk to develop his passion for cooking and fosters empathy for others. This gentle way of living helps Patryk to shed his drug habits and overcome his addiction.
Despite Father Jan's testimony, Patryk is remanded to prison with a three-year sentence. However, Father Jan manages to get Patryk's sentence reduced.
Patryk's story is one of rehabilitation. The narrative of the deceased person emphasises the possibility to alter individuals when they receive guidance and support. Father Jan provides that support and companionship to Patryk and, as a result, brings out the greatest in him. He marries his girlfriend Zaneta and begins a new life.
