Rating: 
Summary: Ahhhhhhhh....."The Decalogue"........
Review: This review refers to the newly re-released (Aug/19/2003)Special Edition DVD Complete Set(3 discs) of "The Decalogue"......Ten Hours of Krzysztof Kieslowski's brillant work and Zbiginew Preisner's mesmerizing music...what else is there in life? I know there's more... but for ten hours you can enter the world of Kieslowski and forget any other exists! Now you don't have to watch them all at once, you can take an hour or two at a time and just immerse yourself. In the enlightening introduction by the very insightful Roger Ebert.Roger himself says that these films should be viewed one by one and given a chance to be talked about and absorbed. That's probably best..but sorry Roger, I became hooked after the first one and couldn't stop. Each one I viewed became my new favorite. "The Decalogue" is a series of ten 1 hour films Kieslowski, together with his esteemed writing partner Krzysztof Piesiewicz,wrote for Polish Television in the mid 80's. Each film is based on the Ten Commandents, but are not relgious or politcal in nature. Each tells the story of modern day people, with modern day moral dilemmas that may fall into the catagories of the Commandments.Orignally Kieslowski had planned for some new and up and coming directors to film each of the series(or as he calls them...a set), but after seeing the final scripts, couldn't resist directing them all himself. What he did however, was to have a different and respected filmographer shoot each of the films. So we get very different looks at each story. And..we are also treated to a score by his illustrious composer Zbigniew Preisner in each one as well. Here is a little about each film,which by the way are all set in a huge apartment complex, each neighbor with their own story: DEC I..."I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me".....A father and son are computer buffs. They have figured out the freezing tempature of a nearby lake and how long it will take to thaw....it must be right...the computer said so..but nature steps in and all is not as it should be. DEC II."Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in Vain".....A woman's husband lays dying in a hospital, she is pregnant by another man..she puts the Doctor in the unenviable postion of having to tell her whether her husband will live or die..the fate of the fetus rests on his words. DEC III..."Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it Holy"...A married man spends Christmas Eve driving around with his ex-lover trying to help her make things right in her life. DEC IV..."Honor Thy Mother and Father"....Anka discovers her father is not her biological father. How will this change their relationship? DEC V..."Thou shalt not kill"...a much discussed and controversial film of Kieslowski's in which the Death Penalty goes on trial. DEC VI ..."Though shalt Not Commit adultery"...A young man becomes obssessed with a woman he has been spying on.The consequences are tradgic. DEC VII.."Thou shalt not steal"..Little Ania is being brought up by her grandmother, but doesnt know that her real mother is actually her sister. Can a mother "kidnap" her own daughter? DEC XIII..."Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor"...A Jewish war survivor from America, travels to Poland to talk to the person who refused her a hiding place. DEC IX..."Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife"....Roman, loves his young wife dearly and she loves him, but he is impotent and encourages her to have an affair.Then is devasted and obssessive when he finds out she went through with it. DEC X..."Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods"....This one adds a little comic relief to the set. Two brothers have inherited their father's very valuable stamp collection, and go to great lengths to protect it. If you are a fan of Kieslowski or are looking for something in the way of fine filmmaking..look no further, this is a must own set. And if you already know the style of this great director, don't be surprised if some characters or their stories turn up by happenstance in others of the series. Keeping in mind that these films were made for Polish Television in the 80's, I would have to say that the transfer to DVD's is very good. You wont find the crystal clarity or lush colors of films done by the big studios, but these films were more than enjoyable to view(DEC V seemed not quite up to the others though)The sound,including the dialouge, music and all background effects were crisp and audible. Along with the introduction by Roger Ebert, you will also find three nice features..."On the Set With the Decalogue", "Kieslowski Meets the Press"..(I felt privileged to be able to listen his views on this one), and a tribute from his colleagues after his death entitled.."Kieslowski: Known and Unknown" There are translators for these. The subititles are nice and clear(and may only be watched with them), and it includes a nice informative booklet which also includes the cast and crew of each film in the set. Ahhhhhhhh..."The Decalogue"...go for it before it goes out of print(again)....it's wonderful....Laurie
Rating:
Summary: The best film ever made?
Review: I watched this series on the Sundance Channel after reading a review saying that it was the "best film ever made". By the end of the series, I could only agree. Unfortunately, I find it completely indiscribable. Perhaps, I could say that no director has ever captured humanity so well. Every serious director should study this film to see what "less is more" means. Astounding.
Rating: 
Summary: The Decalogue or Dekalog (a warning)
Review: Unquestionably one of the landmark films in cinema, The Decalogue was a 10 part television series. As Krzysztof Kieslowski's pivotal masterwork, it should be seen by everyone seriously interested in European Cinema. However, the version I purchased from nyc99 via Amazon lacked one important caveat, when noting the DVD is an "import" version. The package is titled "Dekalog" and all the text on the cases and enclosed book are in Korean. The films include both English and Korean options for the subtitles but the extra features are mostly in Korean. The English subtitles suffer from typographic errors and major spelling/syntax errors that suggest the lack of an qualified English-speaking person reviewing the titling. The titles also flash by in some sequences, offering no chance for even fast readers to complete the sentence before it is replaced. Thankfully, the titles are formated to be easily read over any image background. The prints used in transfering the film to DVD are marred by dust, scratches and cue marks (for reel changes) that detract from the overall image quality. The sound track is converted to Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo. However, the ~1 hour documentary "I'm So-So..." is excellent (except the subtitles) and provides insight into Kieslowski's life, sensibilities and humour. This was noted to be only available on "import" versions of the DVD set. The boxed set of the films (5 DVDs plus the DVD documentary) are nicely packaged. It is unfortunate that the booklet remains accessible only to those lucky enough to read Korean. If I had been aware of this caveat at the time of purchase, I would have selected an alternate issue of the set.
Rating:
Summary: Decalogue and Kieslowski's later work
Review: The Decalogue is like a very masterfully written short story collection by Maupaussant or Chekhov. The tales are each very stark and the cinematic style adopted is equally stark. The later Three Color(Red, Blue, & White)series tells similarly stark stories but the difference is in the cinematic style which for those later films is warmer and richer and has a dreamy quality. In the three color series Kieslowski uses tinted lenses and a much more poetically rich vocabulary of visuals, ie interesting and lingering close-ups on inanimate objects which serve as objective correlatives of an inner state, and this more subjective visual style makes the stories feel intimate, as if we are witnessing the world through someone elses eyes. The Decalogue uses a no frills approach, each story is told concisely in a compact span of 50 minutes so though visually stark they leave no time for the viewers interest to lag and ultimately its the poignant content of each story that sticks with you. Each segment of the three color series stars a beautiful actress, this combined with the more poetic visual style gives those later films a different kind of feel. The Decalogue focuses on humanity, its focus is not so much on individuals as on human qualities/situations which are universal. Each film in the Three Color series focuses on the respective life crisis of one individual. The stories do address large themes(loss, love, fate)but its how those large themes manifest themselves in the singular destiny of a very specific individual in each of those films which resonates strongest. The Decalogue therefore is like a group of tightly constructed short stories whereas the Three Color series is like a trilogy of almost symbolist novellas. As a series the individual films of the decalogue fit together perfectly, and as the series progresses certain characters from previous episodes make brief albeit poignant appearances in later episodes. The result is a rich and layered tapestry of human experience. The three color series are individually strong but they are self contained films and do not fit together as a series in quite the same way. The stark feel of the episodes of the decalogue which each take place in Warsaw might turn some viewers off who are used to the often dreamy quality of the three color series where much of the action takes place in and features Paris. But for a growing number of admirers the Polish based Decalogue is a masterpiece of poignant precision and Kieslowski's greatest accomplishment. Seeing the ten episodes of the decalogue one after the other a cumulative effect builds within the viewer which leaves one speechless--there is nothing to compare it to(except Kieslowski's own work) because nothing else like it exists.
Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful and Touching Series of Ten Films
Review: I bought this set based soley on the reviews here on Amazon.com and was not disappointed at all. These ten inter-related films are well written, very thoughtful, well filmed, and have interesting twists in the story; yet are infused with a haunting and touching realism. Perhaps the best ability of the great Kieslowski is his deep compassion for people caught in the midst of life's difficult choices, and his ability to render those experiences meaningful in his films. There is a beautiful humanism underlying all his films; you get the feeling that these are almost documentaries. There is nothing contrived in the stories or in the acting. The feel, tone and depth of understanding of the human condition expressed through these films is light years beyond anything any overpaid executive in Hollywood would be capable of making, let alone even understanding. These are some of the most philosophically enriched films I have ever seen, and I would certainly put Kieslowski in the same category as Ingmar Bergman. I absolutely love these films and wish they were more well known in America. These films will speak directly to your soul and you will be enriched by the wonderful gift Kielsowski has given to you!
Rating:
Summary: This is why I still have faith in movies
Review: I first saw the Decalogue 7 years agao when I was first introduced to the realm of internation cinemas. I was totally swept away by Kieslowski's talent, and have believed that the Decalogue is the greatest movie ever made in human history. Although I have see quite a few "masterpiece" by other prestigious directors, still, nothing can compare with what Kiewslowski did in the Decalogue. If you are losing your faith in movies because of the recently released trashy movies, the Decalogue is a must-see for you. Your perspective towards life may never be the same again after the movie, because it is one of the few movies would get you think, not just about yourself but the whole universe around you.
Rating:
Summary: On Polish TV!
Review: This is truly a great set of films, a great work in this form of art. I could go on, but would just be repeating what most people on this page as well as the New York Times, Chicago Sun Times (Ebert), Newsday, and a host of other reviews have stated with much more eloquence than I can muster. Five stars, no question. If there were six, it would get six. But here's something that few have mentioned: This set of films was MADE FOR and SHOWN on Polish television. Polish TV! Good Morning! We get "Friends", they get "The Decalogue". Wait a minute, weren't we the open society that promoted free speech, creativity and genius? And weren't they the totalitarian state that censored the creative and spoon fed the party line to the public? Watch TV here for ten hours (the length of "The Decalogue") and tell me what we're getting spoon fed. Sewage, to put it nicely. Ok, in all fairness, "The Decalogue" is a gem - a big diamond, and it's probably as rare on their TV as it would be on ours. And on occasion we get some gems too, mostly on PBS. But here's the difference, they had the strength to show this series on TV. Can you honestly see ABC, NBC, CBS, or FOX airing this series, or, if it existed, the American equivalent of this series? I bet that if "The Decalogue" was shown to the programming directors of the Big Four (assuming they haven't already seen it), they would probably be in agreement that it's great art. I also bet that none of them would have the guts to air it in 10 uninterrupted one hour segments on their network. Too strong, might offend someone, not PC, not enough commercial time, blah, blah, blah....bottom line: it wouldn't air. Maybe PBS would do it, maybe. About 20 years ago a local station in Colorado aired "The Deer Hunter" (also a great movie), completely unedited, with only one commercial break. So it can happen, it's possible. It would be good if one of the networks found the strength to air this series, it deserves to be seen on a much broader scale. It might even spoil our appetite for sewage - worse things could happen.
Rating: 
Summary: Ten Commandments
Review: Krzystof Kieslowski created THE DECALOGUE, an anthology of character studies; each one connected and sharing its name with one of the Ten Commandments. Often, the stories have a slow pace and they all share an aura of misery. They were all done in Poland and so each 50-60 minute episode also carries an interesting cultural observation. Each episode plays in what appears to be the equivalent of lower middle class areas in the United States. Since I am approaching the stories with little knowledge of Poland, it appears that all live in a level of poverty. The DVD quality is not the greatest as the original television film stock (and budgets) appear to be very low and even the liner notes are inaccurate. Here is a breakdown of each episode. "I AM THE LORD THY GOD; THOU SHALT NOT HAVE OTHER GODS BEFORE ME." The first story in the series follows a brilliant university professor who carries a great respect for the power of the computer, and is teaching that respect to his awe-struck son. The father puts all his trust in science, with no time for anything spiritual in his life. In the end, his own science works against him. This first story is a haunting episode with a great child's performance. "THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN VAIN." This story displays the relationship between a doctor and a patient's wife with a secret. She needs to know the fate of her hospitalized husband because his living or passing on changes an urgent decision she must make. Another disturbing story, well executed and performed. "REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY, TO KEEP IT HOLY." Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday when our story begins. A married man sees an old flame, Ewa, at the church service and she manipulates and haunts him the entire evening. He lies to his wife, the law and to himself to please his former lover. We soon find out that Ewa is carrying a bigger secret than we've been told and that their late evening, early morning meetings were at once commonplace. Once again, we witness a disturbing episode, but this one doesn't move you like the first two. "HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER." This extremely disturbing story follows a girl's misguided affections. Since her mother's death, she has often come across an unopened letter from the mother to her. The father wants her to receive the letter after his death. So she starts to invent what the letter is about... and then she starts to believe her own invention. This story is very well done and performed. "THOU SHALT NOT KILL." This is a harrowing tale of three lives intersected by a murder. First we are introduced to a taxi-driver. Through the selectiveness of his fares and the pains he puts into the cleanliness of his vehicle shows him to be a proud man. He picks up a young man who we have seen to be psychotic and obviously planning foul play. Additionally, we follow the young defense attorney who represents the murderer and carries great depression from his loss. This document is a strong play against capital punishment. "THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY." This great episode focuses on the strange relationship between a 'Peeping Tom' and his object of affection. Compared to the previous stories, this one has a positive ending... well, a darkly tinted positive ending. "THOU SHALT NOT STEAL."A horrific human story that is very accessible to every one of us. A mother and daughter put all their efforts into making the other one crumble, both of them less concerned about the stolen daughter/granddaughter being used as a pawn between the two. Could have been ripped right from the Oprah show. "THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOR." A woman who refused to hide a young Jewish girl during World War 2 is visited the discarded youth. She is older and wiser and eventually comes to peace with the situation. This story suffers in that most of the conflict happened before the film and is only revealed to the audience as a lecture in a classroom. Interestingly, the classroom also discusses a local Warsaw event, the same story that is told in the second episode. "THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR'S WIFE." A man reveals to his wife he is now impotent and suggests she take a lover. But, he didn't count on his extreme jealously. The last few episodes are much lighter in tone "THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBORS GOODS." Finally, we close out with the lightest story of them all. It's even funny at times. It involves 2 sons splitting an inheritance of their deceased father. It comes in the form of a valuable stamp collection... The two brothers are as unalike as possible and an interesting relationship forms... But, who can be trusted?
That ends the series. It is well made but slow in its pacing and light in its budgets compared with Hollywood filmmaking, light on budget, heavy on your time.
Rating:
Summary: Great film-making
Review: There are so few films - even ones that I would give 4- and 5-star ratings - worthy of study as literature, that it is a somewhat overwhelming experience to watch Krzystof Kieslowski's The Decalogue and realize that he managed to make ten of them. Yes, they are of varying quality; there are better and worse films in the series. But they are all, without fail, thought-provoking; deeply stirring. In retrospect, I am almost ashamed of the four stars I recently gave Hannibal - but I was applying a vastly different standard to that film. Compared with the usual Hollywood drek, it was quite good, with its cheeky fusion of low-brow grand guignol and smart literary references. Compared with The Decalogue...well, it would deserve negative stars. Originally seen on Polish television, The Decalogue consists of ten hour-long films that each illuminate one of the Ten Commandments. "Illuminate" is the right word, too. No simple-minded Sunday-school lessons, these. The films of The Decalogue set up the sort of difficult moral dilemmas people face in the real world - the kind of dilemmas that turn seemingly simple choices into profoundly difficult matters of conscience, where every possible path seems shrouded in the gray mist of uncertainty. Big issues like abortion, the death penalty, religious faith, and sexuality are explored with as much frankness as artistic restraint. It is this restraint that makes The Decalogue suitable not only for adults, but for young adults, too. Decalogue Six, for example, would make an appropriately sober introduction for teenagers to the prickly complexities of sexual ethics. I wish I had seen it when I was about fifteen. If and when I have children of my own, I fully intend, when they are the right age, to sit down and watch The Decalogue with them. Each film seems constructed with an eye toward stimulating deep discussion. Invite some friends and family over. Watch a couple of films in The Decalogue series, then serve drinks and hors d'oeuvres. If the evening does not result in at least two or three hours of meaningful dialogue (and perhaps heated debate), nothing will. But I don't want to reduce The Decalogue to a mere set of conversation-starters. Like great short stories, the films have a genuine power and profundity that kind of sneaks up on you. Even if you watch them alone, they will reward you with many hours of fruitful contemplation. One needn't be religious to find meaning in them, either. The secular and the scared find common ground in The Decalogue - even in the illustration of such specifically religious concepts as the first commandment's admonition to "...have no other gods before Me." This particular film (the first in the series) is the most heart breaking. You don't have to believe in God to be moved by its story of tragically misplaced faith. No American studio or network would dare finance and release something like The Decalogue. The "lowest common denominator" philosophy of American culture has led to a shameful dumbing-down of film audiences. Why, in a country such as ours, with its surplus of skilled cinematic craftsmen, can we only rarely produce films with the kind of thematic quality present in the classics of Asian and European cinema? Fortunately The Decalogue is available to us in this DVD set. If you care about cinema - what it CAN be, as an art form - then it belongs in your collection.
Rating:
Summary: intensity burned on celluloid and your mind
Review: Kieslowski has brought out the intensity of daily living in and around a apartment complex in Poland. Every chapter of the Decalogue hits hard on issues that touch all of us...buy it for yourself buy it for your children and liberate you thinking.
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