Kanal
“The Claustrophobic Nightmare of War”
In the last few days of the Warsaw Uprising during World War II, a modest group of Resistance members remains. The band must take refuge in the sewers under the orders of leader Zadra, but it's only a matter of time before they will have to emerge. However, when they try, they are met only with intense hostility from the Nazis. Despite their attempts stay resolute through immense mental strain, it becomes increasingly apparent that they may be doomed.
Where to watch Kanal in United States
Can I watch Kanal in United States? Yes — you can stream Kanal in United States on Criterion Channel.
Criterion ChannelClick a service to open Kanal there. Availability last verified on July 31, 2026.
Where is Kanal streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Criterion Channel | — |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | — |
| Germany | Historama Amazon Channel | Amazon Video |
| Spain | Filmin | — |
| Brazil | Oldflix | — |
| South Korea | — | wavve |
About Kanal
Kanal is a 1957 Polish-language war and drama film directed by Andrzej Wajda. The cast is led by Teresa Iżewska, Tadeusz Janczar, Wieńczysław Gliński. It has a runtime of 1h 36m. Viewers rate it 7.7/10 across 200 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.
Kanal was produced by Zespół Filmowy Kadr and made in Poland. It was released on April 20, 1957.
- Director
- Andrzej Wajda
- Writers
- Jerzy Stefan Stawiński
- Release date
- April 20, 1957
- Original language
- Polish
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Poland
- Production
- Zespół Filmowy Kadr
Kanal cast & crew
Kanal was directed by Andrzej Wajda and written by Jerzy Stefan Stawiński.
The cast features Teresa Iżewska as "Daisy", Tadeusz Janczar as Ensign "Korab", Wieńczysław Gliński as Lieutenant "Zadra", Tadeusz Gwiazdowski as Sergeant "Kula", Stanisław Mikulski as "Smukły", and Emil Karewicz as Lieutenant "Mądry".
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Jan Krenz and cinematography is by Jerzy Lipman.
Is Kanal worth watching?
Kanal holds an audience score of 7.7/10 from 161 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed war films.
At 1h 36m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy war and drama, Kanal is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Kanal
In United States, you can stream Kanal on Criterion Channel. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
Rate & review
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Cast of Kanal
Teresa Iżewska
"Daisy"
Tadeusz Janczar
Ensign "Korab"
Wieńczysław Gliński
Lieutenant "Zadra"
Tadeusz Gwiazdowski
Sergeant "Kula"
Stanisław Mikulski
"Smukły"
Emil Karewicz
Lieutenant "Mądry"
Vladek Sheybal
Michał
Teresa Berezowska
Halinka
Zofia Lindorf
Woman searching for a Daughter
Janina Jabłonowska
Woman shouting at Resistance Members
Maria Kretz
Amputee
Jan Englert
"Zefir"
Kanal — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Kanal in United States?
Kanal is streaming on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸Is Kanal on Criterion Channel?
Yes — Kanal is currently available on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸What language is Kanal in?
Kanal is originally in Polish, with audio tracks including German, Polish. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Kanal?
Kanal runs 1 hours 36 minutes (96 minutes).
▸What is Kanal rated?
It holds a 7.7/10 audience score from 161 ratings.
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