'Dekalog' is a towering achievement and a televisual masterpiece that puts many feature films to shame, also pulling off a concept of great ambition brilliantly. Although a big admirer of Krzysztof Kieślowski (a gifted director taken from us too early), and who has yet to be disappointed by him, to me 'Dekalog' and 'Three Colours: Red' sees him at his best.
Although Episodes 2 and 3 are still very, very good episodes indeed, Episode 4 is the best since Episode 1 and both are two of the best of the entire series. Then again even when 'Dekalog' was not at its very best, none of the episodes came close to bad and had so many great merits.
Every single one of 'Dekalog's' episodes are exceptionally well made. This is certainly true of Episode 4, perhaps not quite one of the very best-looking or fascinating of the series but still beautiful and atmosphere enhancing with some memorable images. The direction is quietly unobtrusive, intelligently paced and never too heavy, and the music is suitably intricate.
The themes and ideals are used to full potential, and the characters and their relationships and conflicts feel so real and emotionally resonant without being heavy-handed. Despite being based around one of the ten commandments, don't let that put you off, resemblance to religion is relatively scant. The dialogue is thought-provoking here, and the story is powerful and moving. It also is deserving of credit for pushing boundaries in its layered exploration of family and social relationships.
Here the characters are among the series' most interesting and the interactions and how they're developed are fantastic, some of the series' richest. The acting is superb as to be expected, again the complexity and nuances of the performances is to be admired. As moving as Adrianna Biedrzyńska is the acting honours belong to an unforgettable Janusz Gajos.
All in all, simply magnificent and one of my favourite 'Dekalog' episodes. 10/10 Bethany Cox
