Dekalog - The Ten Commandments - Parts 1-5 Reviews

Unexpectedly accessible Polish classic

The first 5 instalments of this 10 part, made for TV series, proves to be unexpectedly accessible for the average film viewer. Despite its obvious art house sensibilities, and European cinema pedigree (written and directed by Kieslowski, he of later three colours fame) these stand-alone episodes provide quality, thoughtful viewing with almost universal appeal. Granted, the first 10 minutes of Polish subtitles and dour communist bloc concrete cityscapes may be off-putting, but if the viewer is willing to stick with it and become immersed in the characters and themes, there is rich reward.

The 5 episodes, loosely based on the first 5 commandments, offer deep and complex character studies performed with exceptional gravitas by a talented local cast. Added to this, the ambiguous and challenging moral themes that underpin each story challenge the viewer to engage with the characters and empathise with their predicament. Empathy, is easily found since, despite the far removed tower block communities suffering the last throes of communism, the characters and themes get right to the root of the human condition which we are all subject to.

So sit yourself down determined to see beyond the barriers of low-budget and subtitles. Don?t try to watch them all in one or two sittings, just set aside an hour to watch one of them spending the next day mulling over the deeper meaning of the film, and you will be treated to some of the best thinking persons? cinema around.

Zzzzzz

You must be really bored to watch this!!! Dull dull dull.

Shocking

This is an absolute masterpiece! Not for everyone though. If you expect Hollywood marshmellow with happy-end you'd better watch something else. All 10 parts of Dekalog are pure, distinctive, outstanding with its way of touching the topic of human nature. They go deep under your skin and oblige you to think. If you're prepared for that you'll be rewarded.

A proper TV series

This series deals, very loosely in some episodes, with the ten commandments, and how they can be related to a contemporary society which, like most, is loosing its faith.

All these collections are acted superbly, with extreme subtlety, an accolade which extends to the camera-work and storylines.

I would highly recommend the series to those who want a quieter film, examining an extremely interesting period of social change, and doing so deftly and skillfully.

Has to be seen

I am not a big fan of 'every film fan should see' reviews - either it's good or it isn't! BUT, Dekalog, whether loved or hated (and most would say the former), should be seen. It is a mammoth effort and every single film manages to pluck a different heartstring.

Commendable

Kieslowski is a very good director; by the way he gives the short stories impact, drama, and realism. I could not remember all the actors/actresses names as my polish is not up to scratch, and it wasn't that impacting to be noted, but still commendable.

The photography is typical TV format, so that was a let down. The social power, and places, and seriousness of the stories are not overworked, but remain poignant and sharp.

A very good two pieces, but I was also dismayed at the fact we were only given two stories-four and five, and what are 1,2, and 3. I don't like bravado and deceptions, and feel slightly short changed because of the other two shorts were of very good quality.

I thought this was an extended DVD with 5 stories from the long series on Polish tele, but I was wrong, however I do recommend this film, but be aware of the fact you only get two short stories of 50 minutes.

not to bad

not to bad but i got second disk first it might all makes sense when i watch first disk

I'm with Kubrick

Stanley Kubrick famously said of this series that it was the only masterpiece made during his lifetime. I can see where he was coming from. We have ten superbly crafted mini-films, almost every aspect of every one of them being the very peak of quality. With ten stories it is difficult to generalise, but mostly they quietly and minimalistically unfold an exquisitely drawn and beautifully characterised personal drama. As always with this director, a lot is left unsaid - you will need to think between the lines, and you will go on thinking long after the hour is up, and you will probably want to watch them twice.

Do note that, contrary to one of the reviews seen here, all 10 episodes are available. Episodes 1-5 are on one set, which consists of 2 DVDs (i.e., 2 separate rentals); and episodes 6-10 are on another 2-disc set. That reviewer must have accidentally rented only disc 2 of one of the sets.

I was dissappointed with this, because after seeing Three Colours I was expecting more than a tour through various aspects of catholic guilt

Parts 4 - 5

Again well worth watching. For me Part 5 let it down somewhat - this is the part which is also available as as short film a bout killing. Where the other parts draw you in and make you care - or at least interested in the characters, Part 5 is a straight sirade against capital punishment. You know from early on what is going to happen & to whom and how it will all end. I did enjoy it - just not as much