If you haven’t discovered The Forgotten Love yet, now is the moment to see why this Polish romance on Netflix has captured audiences worldwide. Upon its 2023 release, this moving film shot straight into the Top 10 in 56 countries, quickly becoming a must-watch for anyone who loves emotional drama. Directed by Michał Gazda and based on the iconic 1937 novel Znachor by Tadeusz Dołęga-Mostowicz, The Forgotten Love (Znachor) is the latest adaptation of a timeless story that remains deeply rooted in Polish culture.
Set in early 20th-century Poland, The Forgotten Love takes viewers on a deeply emotional journey through themes of love, memory, and rediscovery. At its heart is the poignant story of Rafał Wilczur, a brilliant surgeon who loses everything — including his identity — and must rebuild his life, reconnect with his past, and find the family he once lost. Beautifully shot and emotionally resonant, this timeless Polish love story is a Netflix gem you won’t soon forget.
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All the key details about The Forgotten Love
- Original title: Znachor
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Literary adaptation
- Country of origin: Poland
- Original language: Polish
- Year released: 2023
- Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Director: Michał Gazda
- Main cast: Leszek Lichota, Maria Kowalska, Ignacy Liss
- Production: Netflix original film
- Recommended age: 13+ (contains violence)
What happens in The Forgotten Love?
This unforgettable Polish romance centers on Rafał Wilczur, a celebrated surgeon in early 1900s Poland. His world shatters when his wife leaves him and disappears with their young daughter. Grieving and lost, Rafał is brutally attacked, suffering a head injury that erases his memory — leaving him a stranger to himself and the world around him.
Stripped of his past and title, Rafał drifts until he’s taken in by kind strangers, finding work on a rural farm. Despite his amnesia, his natural instinct to heal never fades — he continues to care for the sick, even as he struggles to remember who he is. As fragments of his old life start to surface, The Forgotten Love becomes a stirring tale of reunion, identity, and the enduring power of family. With emotional highs, dramatic twists, and lush historical detail, this adaptation brings a classic Polish story to a global audience.
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Who’s in the cast of The Forgotten Love?
Leszek Lichota stars as the amnesiac surgeon Rafał Wilczur, joined by Maria Kowalska as his long-lost daughter Marysia, and Ignacy Liss as Count Leszek Czyński, Marysia’s love interest. The supporting cast includes Anna Szymańczyk as Zośka, Rafał’s new partner, and Mikołaj Grabowski as Count Stanisław Czyński. The film is directed by Michał Gazda, with editing by Piotr Kmiecik, giving the story both emotional weight and visual splendor.
Is The Forgotten Love based on a true story?
The Forgotten Love (Znachor) is a new take on the beloved 1982 film, but its roots run even deeper. The original novel was inspired by real-life events — its author, Tadeusz Dołęga-Mostowicz, suffered a violent attack by political police, shaping his views on justice, memory, and what it means to lose your identity. The story also reflects the legacy of rural healers in Poland, such as a farmer who became his community’s unofficial doctor, echoing the quiet heroism seen in Rafał Wilczur’s journey.
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Behind the scenes
Directed by Michał Gazda, The Forgotten Love is a Netflix original that skillfully blends historical detail with powerful drama. The film’s evocative cinematography, period-accurate costumes, and careful editing by Piotr Kmiecik immerse viewers in early 20th-century Poland. The creative team’s commitment to authenticity and emotional storytelling is clear in every scene, making this adaptation a standout among international Netflix releases.
What are the reviews on The Forgotten Love?
Audiences have been overwhelmed by the emotional impact of The Forgotten Love, with many viewers admitting they were brought to tears by its heartbreaking themes of love, loss, and reunion. Critics have praised the film’s strong performances, especially Leszek Lichota’s portrayal of Rafał, and its faithful yet contemporary adaptation of a classic novel. The film’s resonance with both Polish and global viewers has cemented its place as one of the most memorable international romances on Netflix.
The Forgotten Love: Release date
The Forgotten Love (Znachor) debuted on Netflix in the US and UK on September 27, 2023, and quickly secured a spot in both countries’ Top 10, remaining a global favorite for weeks.
The Forgotten Love: Official trailer
Watch the official trailer from Netflix’s YouTube channel:
Ready to experience this unforgettable story? Stream The Forgotten Love on Netflix now and see for yourself why it’s become a global sensation.
