'Dekalog' is a towering achievement and a televisual masterpiece that puts many feature films to shame, also pulling off a concept of great ambition brilliantly. Although a big admirer of Krzysztof Kieślowski (a gifted director taken from us too early), and who has yet to be disappointed by him, to me 'Dekalog' and 'Three Colours: Red' sees him at his best.
All the previous four episodes ranged from very good to outstanding, Episodes 1 and 4 being the best. Episode 5, reminding one of Dostoyevsky's 'Crime and Punishment', is widely considered one of the finest 'Dekalog' episodes, and couldn't agree more. Just for the record, the lesser stories of 'Dekalog' still have many great merits which is testament to the overall high quality of 'Dekalog' and the supreme brilliance of the best stories.
Every single one of 'Dekalog's' episodes are exceptionally well made. Episode 5 is one of the best-looking, atmosphere-enhancing and fascinating of the series with unforgettable images that haunt the mind and with the power to move. The direction is quietly unobtrusive, intelligently paced and never too heavy, and the music is suitably intricate.
The themes and ideals are used to full potential, and the characters and their relationships and conflicts feel so real and emotionally resonant without being heavy-handed. Despite being based around one of the ten commandments, don't let that put you off, resemblance to religion is relatively scant. The sparse dialogue is bleak, thought-provoking with some real pathos at times, parts that really chill and some subtle black humour.
On top of that, the story is creepy with some shocking scenes and a wide range of emotions, while the characterisation and interactions are some of 'Dekalog's' richest. The acting is superb as to be expected, again the complexity and nuances of the performances is to be admired, Mirosław Baka in particular gives a performance that is once seen and never forgotten.
In summary, magnificent and one of the best. 10/10 Bethany Cox
All the previous four episodes ranged from very good to outstanding, Episodes 1 and 4 being the best. Episode 5, reminding one of Dostoyevsky's 'Crime and Punishment', is widely considered one of the finest 'Dekalog' episodes, and couldn't agree more. Just for the record, the lesser stories of 'Dekalog' still have many great merits which is testament to the overall high quality of 'Dekalog' and the supreme brilliance of the best stories.
Every single one of 'Dekalog's' episodes are exceptionally well made. Episode 5 is one of the best-looking, atmosphere-enhancing and fascinating of the series with unforgettable images that haunt the mind and with the power to move. The direction is quietly unobtrusive, intelligently paced and never too heavy, and the music is suitably intricate.
The themes and ideals are used to full potential, and the characters and their relationships and conflicts feel so real and emotionally resonant without being heavy-handed. Despite being based around one of the ten commandments, don't let that put you off, resemblance to religion is relatively scant. The sparse dialogue is bleak, thought-provoking with some real pathos at times, parts that really chill and some subtle black humour.
On top of that, the story is creepy with some shocking scenes and a wide range of emotions, while the characterisation and interactions are some of 'Dekalog's' richest. The acting is superb as to be expected, again the complexity and nuances of the performances is to be admired, Mirosław Baka in particular gives a performance that is once seen and never forgotten.
In summary, magnificent and one of the best. 10/10 Bethany Cox