Decalogue, The - VII: "Thou Shalt Not Steal." (1989)

Kieslowski's Decalogue

Stealing more than a yummy loaf

Genre: Drama (Poland)

Starring: Maja Barelkowska, Katarzyna Piwowarczyk

Directed By: Krzysztof Kieslowski (The Double Life Of Veronique; Three Colours Trilogy)

Overview: A young woman decides to kidnap her daughter from the hands of her mother, and finds her hasty decision has its own consequences.

Performance:

Ewa, the mother/grandmother might be your favorite character as well. For someone to play the detestably jealous and possessive hard-liner this well while still managing to convey her perspective and humanity in the face of it all is a brilliant feat of direction and talent. With the addition of the naive young woman who's decided to finally come of age and take charge, we're left hoping the child is the winner of this battle of wills. Well done.
Rating: 9

Cinematography:

Perhaps I've been tainted by the first of the series, or perhaps my eye for symbols just isn't as keen, but I miss the blatant signs and foreshadowing left by Kieslowski in his earlier episodes. This is not to say that this is still not full of interesting visuals, or that the camera doesn't tell the tale as effectively, it's just me wishing for a little more.
Rating: 8

Script:

As it was with Decalogue III, much of the enjoyment of this episode is the slow way we learn of the relationships of the characters. As each line is spoken more is unveiled about the past, and rather than wondering where the story is going, you might 'who?' to be a more interesting question.
Rating: 8

Plot:

Not that I was expecting such a thing, but I'm glad Kieslowski chose not do to a rehashing of the old 'steal a loaf of bread and pay all too dear a price for it'. Where can you find a more perfect example sinlessness of theft outside of this extreme example? Kidnapping your own child seems to fit the bill. Thanks Kieslowski, I knew you wouldn't let me down!
Rating: 8

Mood:

Well if it's one thing you shouldn't be surprised at by now it's that you shouldn't expect an expository force-feeding of these tales, and not as happy as the television you were brought up on. With this episode of The Decalogue, as with all others, there are several consequences, for several people for a series of actions, and this Commandment is well explored indeed for its multi-layered nuance.
Rating: 8

 
Hmm, after 6 years, maybe today's a good day to kidnap my daughter!

Overall Rating: 82% (Worth Hoarding)

Aftertaste:

A fantastic chapter perfectly representative of the series, we explore characters in dramatic situations that are also very human and all too plausible. What Kieslowski does that sets this kidnapping tale out of the realm of common statistics or a 'movie of the week' is how each character is so deeply embedded in the lives of each other. The little girl is such an important part of the lives of all these people that tearing her out of her stable environment is akin to knocking out the keystone of a pyramid.