Dekalog, Cztery (1988)

This is a great installment. For the first time in the series, I was truly captivated by the play with the central commandment. When the film started, I didn't know which commandment it was about, but I guessed it soon enough: "Honor your father and mother." It's amazing how Kieslowski puts a twist on it by asking whether the father really is the father and whether it matters if your father is also your old man biologically. The strong acting makes the relationship between the two main characters believable and interesting. It is actually a painful story, but Kieslowski doesn't opt for a negative ending. Although I could have done without that twist where the letter turned out not to be the real letter.

After Part 1, I was afraid that Dekalog would primarily be a moralistic series in which people are punished for not obeying the commandments. Fortunately, it turns out Kieslowski has more in mind after all.
3.5*

Translated from Dutch · View original

It is nice that the upward trend in the Dekalog series continues. While I already found part three to be somewhat better than part two, this fourth installment comes very close to the first part in terms of quality. The acting by and between the two main characters in this part, in particular, is of a considerably high standard, and that is also one of the main reasons why this installment turns out so well.

Furthermore, I do agree with The One Ring's comment that Kieslowski succeeds well in maintaining variety and, fortunately, not every part ends as dramatically, meaning the films thankfully remain somewhat less predictable. It is also fun to discover which commandment is involved and how Kieslowski applies it. On to the next installment already.

3.5*

Translated from Dutch · View original

An interesting installment in the Dekalog series. The developments are quite fascinating to follow, as we see how Anka and her 'father' react to the information contained in the letter from the deceased mother. It goes beyond simply the question of whether you can be a real father if you are not the biological father. There is also a certain attraction between the two of them that keeps the film interesting.

The ending with the 'plot twist' where Anka admits that she made up the letter and didn't open the real one fits in with the rest of the film, and it seems like the father-daughter relationship will work out.

And it is also largely thanks to the good acting of Adrianna Biedrzyńska that I sat watching, captivated. Kieslowski also manages to include a nice little extra with the man in the canoe who passes by twice.

3*

Translated from Dutch · View original