Decalogue, The - I: "I Am the Lord Thy God" (1989)

Kieslowski's Decalogue 

Not only is this kid cute, but he's frikken smart! 

Genre: Drama (Poland)

Starring: Henryk Baranowski, Wojciech Klata

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

Overview: A young and ever-curious boy living with his father use their home computer for everything, while the boy's aunt worries that his spiritual instruction is lacking.

Performance:

Either every Polish child is the cutest thing you've ever seen or there was some pretty sweet casting. I believe it was Hitchcock who said that it was hardest working with children and animals, but you wouldn't know from watching this. This portrayal of the young and intellectually hungry boy is not only one of the most adorable I've ever seen, but his genuine talent makes me wonder why he's only done a few scant productions since this one.
Rating: 8

Cinematography:

Kieslowski's forté is in his cinematography and his symbolism. Decalogue I is one of the most symbolic of the series, and for you art-house lovers out there, you probably already know Kieslowski's reputation for the visual.  For the art-curious laymen I try to gear this site towards, give this guy a chance, he somehow even makes a fire by a frozen lake a fantastic sight.
Rating: 9

Script:

Kieslowski's not all that chatty. I like that.  The more I watch film, the more I wish people expressed themselves rather than explained themselves. Some writers out and out tell the audience the backstory, some don't give enough, but Kieslowski introduces us to the characters in such a way that makes conversations telling, while still being everyday. I'm guessing that'll be pretty consistent throughout the series.
Rating: 8

Plot:

'Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me' is the first Commandment and Decalogue I's moral lesson is driven home quite well. Kieslowski's use of symbolism is quite enjoyable as it is frequent and understandable while still not overwhelming the story.  Symbols aren't used as plot devices, but as enhancements to this well paced and deeply moving tale.  
Rating: 9

Mood:

The most enjoyable part of Decalogue I is Kieslowski's way of delivering his imagery.  Strong and easily identifiable symbols of foreshadowing as well as more thematic God imagery, whether it be represented by a casual observer or wax tears on a Madonna's face, these are the visual elements that turn television into film, that invite a more cerebral experience, that give your right-brain some much deserved process time.
Rating: 9

Cute as a button! 

Overall Rating: 86% (Thou Shalt Enjoy)

Aftertaste:

I remember this being one of my favorites the first time I saw this years ago, and it's the perfect send off into the rest of the serial.  This is heavy-hitting drama at it's finest, and though not all the episodes in The Decalogue are as enjoyable and symbolic as this one, there's no better way to kick off nine hours of Foreign Shorts.