Fans of Krzysztof Kieslowski's mystical TROIS COULEURS trilogy may balk, but we think this tough, rigorously constructed political parable is far superior. The story is straightforward -- a sociopathic street punk bludgeons a taxi driver to death; a compassionate lawyer
tries to save him from the death penalty -- but the moral implications are complex and genuinely profound. Thankfully, Kieslowski and screenwriter Krzysztof Piesiewicz refuse to stack the deck: There are no cardboard villains here, only flawed, fully imagined human beings. This season's other
capital punishment film, DEAD MAN WALKING, won't change anyone's mind; this just might.
Released:
1987
Rated:
NR
Length:
85 mins