A Short Film About Killing details
| Format: | 18 DVD |
|---|---|
| Starring: | Krzysztof Globisz, Miroslaw Baka |
| Director: | Krzysztof Kieslowski |
| Genres: | Drama, World Cinema - Polish |
| Studio: | FUSION MEDIA |
| Name | Discs | |
|---|---|---|
A Short Film About Killing |
18 Feature |
DVD Information
| Run time: | 1 hour 25 minutes |
|---|---|
| Rental release: | 29 Sep 2003 |
| Main languages: | Polish |
| Subtitles: | English |
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Most helpful review
Polish Brutalism
By gothicHM (40 reviews) from Herts , 09 Aug 2004[Highly rated reviewer]
This philosophical enquiry into the impact of killing on the human psyche lacks the humour and subtlety of its companion piece 'A Short Film About Love'. Here we are presented with the doubts and ambitions of an over sensitive barrister living in a brutalised world where everyone and everything is merely a potential victim.
The opening scene sets the tone as we follow the path of carcasses from the previous night's killings in just one rundown housing estate. As the film progresses we see the experiences of these victims - insects, vermin, pets are a microcosm of the mindless brutality which (according to this director) runs through Polish society. Killing whether a mindless act of vandalism (a rock thrown from a bridge onto speeding traffic), an arbitary act of violence (the murder of a taxi driver) or the planned ritual of a state execution, is shown as a natural outcome of social alienation. With each death human sympathy, imagination and passion is eroded until nothing is left but to survive.
A bleak view in keeping with the bleak landscapes which pervade this film.- Was this review helpful to you?
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All reviews
(19)RUBBISH
By a customer from Reading, England , 17 Apr 2012utterly pointless film devoid of decent acting or a good storyline- Was this review helpful to you?
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A Short Film, but one that leaves a life-long impression
By MikeyMouse (39 reviews) from West Drayton , 08 Jan 2012Herein 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.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Probably the worst film ever made
By papatez (298 reviews) from folkestone , 30 Nov 2011THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS Show review anywayHide
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Kieslowski's Killer
By likealeper (10 reviews) from Consett, , 19 Nov 2009A powerful drama portraying murder and redemption. Beautifully shot as usual by the masterful Kiesolwski, the film is a study of morality and justice. The acting is superb and the Communist era Poland scenery is a perfect setting for this deeply depressing, yet moving film.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Unemotive
By Whipster (663 reviews) from Shropshire , 25 Feb 2009I guess this was made as a serious look at a pointless murder but because it is totally without emotion you don't empathise with any of the characters. We're not given any clue as to why the perp carries out the senseless act. It's a very realistic murder which some might find disturbing but the style of cinematography (stained views, reflections etc) and the poor film stock make for a quite irritating watch. I found the whole thing fairly tedious and ultimately very boring. Polish with subtitles. 2 star.- Was this review helpful to you?
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