A Short Film, but one that leaves a life-long impression

Herein lies cinematic genius that speaks directly to the viewer’s conscience demands the attention of all lovers of film, and indeed all students of humanity. Undeniably but necessarily repelling in parts, Kieslowski’s work for me was also paradoxically compelling from start to finish. Exquisitely photographed as it is, portraying a Poland of the 1980s in greenish-yellow hues that, well, let us just say you wouldn’t really want to visit on holiday. I believe this creation is the closest to a perfect film that it is possible to create, imbued with a deep respect of humanity –warts and all. The characters portrayed appear very genuine in their conception - ambiguous as we all are in reality – both loving and loved whilst also capable of surprising disrespect & cruelty. I would encourage viewing by anyone with an interest in the proverbial themes of crime & punishment and who seek a film stripped of the usual Hollywood artifice. To the English-speaking viewer it is of vitally no matter that it’s Polish that is spoken, as A Short Film is rendered in such a powerfully visual language, expertly economical in its dialogue. In this sense the subtitles, when they do appear, are almost redundant. This kind of work drags cinema back to where it should be – not a trillionth book adaptation chattering away at you, but a truly audio-visual sensation, a well-crafted message straight to the heart.