What an important film. And a great one it is too, although I prefer 'A Short Film About Love' better because it is less depressing and especially more uplifting at the end. But then what film couldn't be?!
The brutal slaying at the centre of the film is particularly hard to watch and worse than a 100 shootings in a crass American action flick. It is simply 7 horrific (but important) minutes. You will remember this killing throughout the rest of the film and long after the movie has ended. And this is deliberately intentional. As was Kieslowski attempting to make us feel sympathy for the devil (the killer) at the end by a tragic childhood memory. However, it is too little, too late. I felt no sympathy for the killer because I remembered the brutal slaying he committed earlier. You'll still emphathise with him at the end despite his crimes.
I think if you agree with capital punishment then you may change your mind and if you don't it will merely confirm your stance against it. Even though this film is dark and at times horrific it needed to be made and the 3 main cast (the victim, his killer and his lawyer) all deserve credit for their moving performances. Kieslowski, his co-writer, his D.O.P and indeed all the rest of the bit cast and crew should be commended.
I doubt any Polish cinema will come close to this film and the 'Love' film forever more - but I hope Directors at least try to emulate these rightful classics in the future.
The brutal slaying at the centre of the film is particularly hard to watch and worse than a 100 shootings in a crass American action flick. It is simply 7 horrific (but important) minutes. You will remember this killing throughout the rest of the film and long after the movie has ended. And this is deliberately intentional. As was Kieslowski attempting to make us feel sympathy for the devil (the killer) at the end by a tragic childhood memory. However, it is too little, too late. I felt no sympathy for the killer because I remembered the brutal slaying he committed earlier. You'll still emphathise with him at the end despite his crimes.
I think if you agree with capital punishment then you may change your mind and if you don't it will merely confirm your stance against it. Even though this film is dark and at times horrific it needed to be made and the 3 main cast (the victim, his killer and his lawyer) all deserve credit for their moving performances. Kieslowski, his co-writer, his D.O.P and indeed all the rest of the bit cast and crew should be commended.
I doubt any Polish cinema will come close to this film and the 'Love' film forever more - but I hope Directors at least try to emulate these rightful classics in the future.