The Polish documentary film 21 x New York was released in 2016 and is directed by the award-winning filmmaker, Piotr Stasik. It is a different and unique approach to understanding the essence of life in a city. What makes it unique is that it is not merely a tribute to or critique of New York City but an exploration and identification of characters who make the city what it is. This documentary carves out a richly intimate portrait of the Big Apple, with people from different backgrounds sharing their unique perspectives, revealing the city’s true spirit.

The title, 21 x New York, indicates that the film brings together 21 different narratives of ordinary people living in one city. Their dialogues are woven together to create a powerful narrative about life, humanity, dreams, desires, loneliness, and the constant struggle and pursuit of happiness in an urban setup. The raw emotions captured in the film through various interviews make the narrative relatable as it helps the viewer understand the complexity of human emotions and life's various experiences.

The film's narrative structure breaks away from the traditional storytelling form; instead of following a linear plot, the filmmaker chooses to introduce viewers to the characters and their individual stories. It seems as if we are meeting people in passing - on a subway, in a park, at a café, listening to their personal stories just long enough to understand their struggle, ambitions, and aspirations before moving onto the next individual.

The film is shot discreetly and unobtrusively. Stasik uses minimalistic techniques to maximum effect. The film lacks any specific soundtrack or background score; instead, it uses ambient sounds from the locations, making the film a more immersive experience and giving a vivid impression of the hustle-bustle of New York City.

A significant portion of the film is shot in New York's subway, reflecting the city's vibrant and diverse population. It is in this subway setting that we encounter most of the film's characters – ordinary citizens living their lives amidst the extraordinary character and pace of the city. They narrate their dreams, fears, struggles, victories, and the plain mundaneness of their everyday existence.

In an interesting touch, the director lets the visuals speak for themselves, letting the viewer make their interpretations rather than along a predefined narrative. He artistically blends elements of tragedy, humor, and absurdity, creating a pastiche that mirrors the complexities of real-life human experience. Instead of a clear-cut story, the film presents fragments of personal narratives and expressions of individual emotional states.

The black and white cinematography adds depth to the narratives, complicating the emotions, emphasizing the gritty truths, and adding a timeless aesthetic to the urban environment's visuals. The monochromatic palette magnifies the characters' emotions, occasionally brightening them with moments of serenity and self-acceptance.

Stasik showcases New York as a representative of any mega-city, with people struggling to fulfill their dreams, battling loneliness amidst the crowd, and wishing to be understood and loved. The film encapsulates the universal human condition, filled with desires and dreams, disappointments and joys, through the lens of the city that never sleeps.

21 x New York not only speaks volumes about the city and its people, but it is also reflective of a globalized society, where experiences of urban lives across different cities are merging to offer a homogenized experience of urban living. Above all, this film is an exploration of the human spirit and the common threads that link individuals across cities, cultures, and societies.

For those searching for a film that captures the human experience's rawness and authenticity, the joy, despair, uncertainty, and humor, 21 x New York makes for a deeply satisfying watch. With its candid portrayal of real lives and a masterful understanding of cinema's power and possibilities, 21 x New York is a cinematic masterpiece that offers a unique take on city life and human narratives.