“A Jungle Book of Regulations,” a 1974 Polish film by Stanisław Bareja, weaves a comical yet poignant tale of Janek and Wanda, a couple navigating the absurdities of life in a crowded villa, overrun with offices rather than homes. Their existence in a tiny room is marked by Janek’s reluctance to return to their cramped space, often lingering at work for hours.
The plot thickens when Malinowski, a former occupant of their room, arrives with an intriguing proposition: a swap for his spacious two-room apartment. Skeptical yet desperate, Janek and Wanda agree, only to find themselves entangled in a bizarre living arrangement with Wanda’s ex-husband, Jerzy. Registered as a resident in the new apartment, Jerzy’s unexpected presence sets off a series of humorous and desperate attempts by Janek to reclaim their newfound space. This film masterfully portrays the complexities of bureaucratic systems and personal relationships, delivering a unique blend of satire and social commentary set against the backdrop of 1970s Poland.
