The Decalogue

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Dave S While it may lack the technical proficiency, visual wonders, and stylistic flourishes of some of Krzysztof Kieslowski's later classics like The Double Life of Veronique and the Three Colours trilogy, The Decalogue succeeds on the strength of its writing, courtesy of Kieslowski and his long-time associate Krzysztof Piesiewicz. Set primarily in a Warsaw apartment complex, The Decalogue consists of ten short films, each loosely based on one of the Biblical Ten Commandments, that follow the daily lives of those who reside in the complex. Well-acted and cleverly written with well-defined characters, the stories explore the universal themes of love, infidelity, faith, and the dangers of technology, among others, and is filled with complex moral dilemmas. Clocking in at almost ten hours, the time commitment is significant, but it is well worth it as there is nothing else out there quite like it. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/10/23 Full Review Audience Member Ten unique episodes, each of with a connection with the ten commandments. As in other Kieslowski work, the cinematography is beautiful, the meaning is deep, and he touches every human emotion through the series. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member It is appalling to see RT totally drop the ball on such a staggering display of extraordinary work. THE DECALOGUE was, since it isn't listed on the page, a series of ten 50ish minute stories made for Polish television by accomplished director Kieslowski. His later work on ROUGE, BLANC, and BLEU are perhaps more frequently discussed, but it is in THE DECALOGUE that we understand the magnitude of his genius. A project of such scope is rare in America. Maybe three or four television shows possess a similar commitment and focus. Kieslowski, working with a different cinematographer on each of the episodes, manages to instill clear visual unification into every one of the 500 minutes. It is precisely because of his division of photographic labor that the undeniable richness in directing style emerges. Though over-discussed, each of the episodes corresponds with a particular commandment and, generally, the breaking of it. As if his formidable visual accomplishment were not enough, the audience is also supplied with ten stories of relevant contemporary ethics, offered in a most sincere and thorough examination. Ambivalence prevails while still preserving faith as a virtue. It has been a while since digging into this series, but proper recognition is due by the RT community. I wholly endorse the greater distribution and exhibition of THE DECALOGUE. They need not be seen in sequence, the need only to be seen. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member This was outstanding. I'm Christian, but that's completely unnecessary for either understanding or enjoyment of the work. Some have considered this THE filmmaking event of the century...while I wouldn't quite go THAT far, they're not too far from wrong. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member A film that shows not only the impotence that comes with age but the innocence that comes with youth. With a story which grips the mind in a constant battle of the ultimate question, "What is the meaning of life?", this film presents its viewers with a universality that transcends generations. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member excelente serie. Recomendadísima Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Decalogue

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