If you haven’t yet seen The Forgotten Love, a Polish romantic film on Netflix, now is the perfect time. This absolutely captivating title became one of the most-watched romantic dramas on the platform, reaching the Top 10 in 56 countries during its first week. Released in 2023 and directed by Michał Gazda, the film is the third screen adaptation of Znachor, the beloved 1937 novel by Tadeusz Dołęga-Mostowicz — a cornerstone of Polish literature.
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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The Forgotten Love: Plot of the Film
What is The Forgotten Love about?
At the heart of this unforgettable Polish romantic film on Netflix is the tragic and transformative story of Rafał Wilczur, a brilliant and respected surgeon in early 20th-century Poland. His seemingly stable life is turned upside down when his wife abruptly leaves him, taking their young daughter with her and vanishing without a trace. Crushed by grief and confusion, Rafał is later assaulted during a chance encounter and suffers a severe head injury—resulting in total amnesia.
Stripped of his identity, his memories, and his status, Rafał wanders aimlessly until he is taken in by strangers and begins a new life working as a humble laborer on a remote farm. Yet, despite the blank slate his mind has become, his instincts as a healer never disappear. Without understanding how or why, he continues to save lives and tend to the sick, unknowingly reconnecting with the very essence of who he once was.
As time passes, fragments of Rafał’s past begin to resurface—fleeting memories, sensations, and echoes of the life he lost. Through a series of emotional encounters and dramatic twists, The Forgotten Love unfolds into a powerful story of reunion between past and present, father and daughter, memory and identity. More than just a romance, the film is a poignant reflection on redemption, resilience, and the enduring strength of family ties. With stunning cinematography, rich period detail, and heartfelt storytelling, this modern adaptation of a Polish literary classic continues to resonate deeply with viewers around the world.
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Cast and Production
The Forgotten Love features a talented cast, including Leszek Lichota as the surgeon Rafal Wilczur, Maria Kowalska as his daughter Marysia, Ignacy Liss as Count Leszek Czyński, Marysia’s future husband, Anna Szymanczyk as Zośka, Rafal’s new partner, and Mikolaj Grabowski as Count Stanislaw Czynski.
Directed by Michał Gazda, the film was brought to the screen with the creative collaboration of editor Piotr Kmiecik, blending emotional depth and historical detail into a visually stunning and heartfelt cinematic experience.
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Is The Forgotten Love Based on a True Story?
The Forgotten Love (Znachor) on Netflix is a remake of the beloved 1982 film, but its origins are deeply rooted in real events. The story draws inspiration from the life of Tadeusz Dołęga-Mostowicz, the author of the original novel Znachor, who was brutally attacked by political police – an experience that profoundly shaped his views on justice, memory, and personal identity.
The film also echoes the true story of a Polish farmer who, in a time of poverty and limited access to healthcare, became an unofficial village healer. Without formal medical training but driven by compassion, he treated the sick in his community – embodying the same quiet heroism that defines the film’s protagonist, Rafał Wilczur.
The Forgotten Love – All the Info
- Original title: Znachor
- Genre: Drama, Romantic novel, Based on a book
- Country of production: Poland
- Original language: Polish
- Year of production / release: 2023
- Duration: 2h 20min
- Director: Michał Gazda
- Main cast: Leszek Lichota, Maria Kowalska, Ignacy Liss
- Production: Netflix original film
- Recommended age: 13+ (violence)
The Forgotten Love (Znachor) is available on Netflix in both the UK and the USA. It premiered there on September 27, 2023 as a Netflix Original, and quickly entered the Top 10 in both countries—remaining in the global Top 10 for multiple weeks.
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The Forgotten Love (Znachor): Official Trailer
Here’s the official trailer from Netflix’s YouTube channel: