What Makes The Decalogue a Great Film Series

[@shreyanghosh5586]

I am a hindu from india and yet i was strongly attracted by this film series .As a member of a different religious community i still was able to relate with it at the humanistic and ethical level .And i really really loved it .

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Thank you.

[@piotrkonieczynski]

“It comes from a deep-rooted conviction that if there is anything worthwhile doing for the sake of culture, then it is touching on subject matters and situations which link people, and not those that divide people. There are too many things in the world that divide people, such as religion, politics, history, and nationalism. If culture is capable of anything, then it is finding that which unites us all. And there are so many things that unite people. It doesn't matter who you are or who I am, if your tooth aches or mine; it's still the same pain. Feelings are what link people together, because the word 'love' has the same meaning for everybody. Or 'fear', or 'suffering'. We all fear the same way and the same things. And we all love in the same way. That's why I tell about these things, because in all other things I immediately find division.” Kieslowski

[@jellothrone3249]

I appreciate your analysis, but I just want to say that these films are for everyone. I am an atheist and adore these films. I think the themes are multifaceted and transcend any ideology and belief system. One aspect I love about Kieslowski is whatever his personal opinion is he never uses his characters as props to be mere ideological mouthpieces; rather the characters are complex and contradictory like all of us and made with compassion for each one of them.The situations the characters face are messy and thought provoking; not leading to easy didacticism. Kieslowski reminds of Tarkovsky in many ways where he is able to show the transcendent in the temporal, as well as how the transcendent often shakes off the neat boxes we want to put reality into. Anyway, I look forward to watching the rest of your videos on this series, I just wanted to make this comment so those of no faith tradition weren’t thrown off from watching these.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I forget what what was said in the video, and respect your views. would be great to read yours or an atheist's take on the entire series for sure. thank you.

[@jellothrone3249]

Maybe I will! I love Kieslowski and his work means a lot to me so if might be fun for me if nothing else. I wrote this review of “A Hidden Life” on letterbox, it will give you a better idea of my perspective on things if you are interested. boxd.it/17x6hf

[@jellothrone3249]

My main point though was just that I simply thought anyone could enjoy these films whatever their beliefs; I think the best art functions that way even if located in A certain perspective, it will transcend and touch all of us who feel, love, and reflect on our life.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Yes, for sure.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

That is excellent. I have yet to see the Malick film, but it is coming in the mail.

[@riceninja051]

Thank you so much for these kinds of videos. As a devout Catholic, I love to see Christian themes and concepts depicted on the screen with a level of detail and artistry. Especially in this quarantine, I was looking for something faith filled to chew on after watching the movie "The Lobster", and this series looks very promising. Keep up the good work! Praying that everything goes well!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you. God bless. I've got three other Decalogue videos. Just made one on Scorsese's Raging Bull, where I talk about Catholic doctrine and Dante. Comments like this help me keep going! (I have not seen the Lobster.)

[@seansersmylie]

You will like Ordet.

[@thomaswilke6312]

I’m late to the Dekalog party. I just learned about this series of short films. I learned about the director after watching his movie Blind Chance which I thought was really surreal. I look forward to binge watching your videos on the 10 stories

[@mamiro59]

Thank you. I appreciate your analysis.Greetings from Warsaw.🇵🇱♥️

[@LearningaboutMovies]

you're welcome. blessings to you.

[@pelarinbacosiii448]

Thanks for your Kieslowski retrospective! I'd love to hear your thoughts on "The Double Life of Veronique." It was my favorite Kieslowski film until I saw his "Trois Couleurs"---and "Rouge," in particular. (The finale of "Rouge" still sends shivers up and down my spine whenever I see it.) 3:58 I loved that Kieslowski never really explained who that mysterious character is, or what he represents.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

You're in luck, I made a video on that movie and it will release in November.

[@pelarinbacosiii448]

@@LearningaboutMovies Thanks for that update! And thanks for this channel! Subscribed!

[@clumsydad7158]

Fascinating and intriguing; obviously Kieslowski was way ahead of his time with this conception in 10 parts,,, and these days from innovations in tv/direct media we know the value of playing with the format of the video medium to make series and extended works of art. The conceptualization of the ten commandments symbolically on film is fascinating, and also the question of ethics in our sociopolitical machinations more relevant than ever with the deep lack of values at the center of our systems. Sounds like a deep yet rewarding rabbit hole. Awesome description, Thank you

[@LearningaboutMovies]

you're welcome. Yeah, the entire series/anthology is among the greatest works of the 20th century, not just film.

[@ryanloane6588]

Just found out Kubrick said this was a masterpiece..so I'm interested in watching

[@andonj251]

I think another thing Kieslowski was trying to portray in these films is the concept of morality as a whole. If you notice how ones moral compass is swayed by the society they live in, their upbringing by their parents and peers, and their religion if relevant, it makes sense that different people could possibly have different morals. However, Kieslowski points out in these films how regardless of ones individual morality, there is no doubt a set of laws that every single person in the world understands no matter their beliefs. I think it can be safe to say that even if you don’t believe in God, you still follow the Ten Commandments because those set of morals seems like common sense. Of course we all know murder is wrong. Of course we all know that cheating on our spouse is wrong. But why do we know that?

[@cheeseandonions9558]

I need to rewatch this series. i'm a an atheist but with a catholic upbringing. I don't necessarily say that this series changed my view of the world but it definitely made me cry..

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Yes. It's a rewatch every ten years or so.

[@giadapastorello4165]

Omg our philosophy teacher made us watch the first decalogue when we were like 15 and made us write an essay about it. I cried for hours. She was an atheist and so am I. I watched all of them as a grown up and they're amazing

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@omerfaruktacyldz6986]

Great quality content reviewing great range of films ı like it. Subscribed

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you. I'm trying to get better as well. this was an early video I did, so the recent ones, in terms of style, are a bit better.

[@szymonmaraszewski1514]

If you like the music in Decalogue, check out some more music of Zbigniew Preisner! Fun fact, he's a genius amateur... I also highly recommend other movies by Kieślowski, especially "Amator"

[@LearningaboutMovies]

that's the one Kieslowski movie I haven't seen. It's called "Camera Buff" here in the States, I think. THank you for your comment on Preisner.

[@szymonmaraszewski1514]

@@LearningaboutMovies exactly, it's "camera buff", I checked now. Btw that's a good translation, because latin word "amator"comes from the verb "amo" which means to love. So in polish or latin, amator/amateur is a person who does stuff out of love only, not profesionally. In latin or in polish one may say for example "beer amateur" or "movie amateur" which refers to somebodies taste/preferences rather than ocupation. blah blah blah, enough talking XD Thank you for your quality content, keep it up!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

that's great. my bet is that "buff" is the wrong word. it's too casual. you're right to say that amator combines "amateur" and lover or enthusiast of something. we don't have an equivalent in English, at least one that I can think of. "amateur" does not have many positive connotations anymore.

[@sbc3781]

Thank you for your insight. It was very valuable! Moral without a Greater Law? Excellent question.

[@1995yuda]

I'm subscribing, quality content and presentation.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@cyborgtrance]

Najlepszy polski reżyser.Cheers from Poland

[@muhammadarifkurniawan6600]

thank you for this video, so helpful

[@LearningaboutMovies]

you're welcome.

[@henryyancey1117]

Oh my gosh I saw the first movie in this series when I was in seventh grade in my Bible class and all of my friends were so scared and making theories as to why the computer was coming to life

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I can't imagine watching this in 7th grade and getting much out of it!

[@henryyancey1117]

@@LearningaboutMovies this is the kinda stuff that we did back then all the time but normally the things we watched were Fiddler on the roof or that one Moses movie. watching Dekalog one was such a cool experience

[@henryyancey1117]

Also some of the scenes were kriffing hilarious

[@shawnnovafilms]

Kieslowski's works have changed my life forever

[@meusisto]

How, please?

[@praveenkumarthangavel7714]

Subscribed Thalaivaa ☺️

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@lukeconzo]

Haven’t seen it myself; it looks really interesting, though!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

it is an amazing movie series.

[@lukeconzo]

@@LearningaboutMovies Thank you for the recommendation!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

this channel has videos on Decalogue 1 and 6. I think also on Decalogue 10 and 2.

[@tomekkruk6147]

Mate, there is nothing in those apartment buildings that even resembles the two slabs or writing on them. Yes, it is a magnificent series, but let's not get too excited.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Prima facie only negates all literary criticism. Including, eg, Plato.

[@saudiacooper8609]

I so love the first one..thou shall not worship other gods...the son and his father with the computer

[@LearningaboutMovies]

what's remarkable is that, at times, the computer is clearly an idol. but at other times (the end) it's an icon. Kieslowski is asking the question of what's the difference between icon and idol.

[@szymonmaraszewski1514]

(Spoiler alert)This scene when son's body is found! Fathers reaction, this atmosphere, this music! It gives me shivers...

[@henryyancey1117]

@@LearningaboutMovies why do you think the computer was like communicating with the father? My friends and I were so confused when we saw this a couple years back

[@praveenkumarthangavel7714]

Any other analysis or review for Decalogue episodes i found 1,10 and 6 only

[@LearningaboutMovies]

no, not yet. I will get to them all, one day. Kieslowski's Red White Blue trilogy is here though.

[@veerkumar2112]

Where I could find all the series... ???

[@LearningaboutMovies]

criterion collection sells the entire 10 films as "Dekalog." A used Bluray of that is $46 on Amazon -- a steal. IT doesn't look as if Dekalog is streaming anywhere. I would expect Criterion to put it on their streaming channel at some point.

[@jakubpieczynski2768]

vod.tvp.pl/video/dekalog,jeden,43938768 it's all here but only in polish.

[@thehumblewolf]

Dang wish I could stream it...

[@jakubpieczynski2768]

​@@thehumblewolf from the link that I gave?

[@thehumblewolf]

Jakub unfortunately I can’t speak polish, no subtitles?

[@maimohamed3590]

Wow 😍

[@bqgin]

that's not really how you pronounce Krzysztof Kieślowski. It's pronouced more like Kshyshtoph Kyeshilovski. But I understand that polish names are quite hard to pronounce for someone who'd never spoken Polish

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I have practiced this but keep botching it. Problem is that I've got another Decalogue video in production and could easily add 2-3 more Decalogue and the Red/White/Blue trilogy, so I need to learn to pronounce his name. thank you for the correction.

[@dziadwirkowicki]

​@@LearningaboutMovies My name is also Krzysztof and better if you say "Cristopher" - it means the same. :-D

[@yashswami2289]

Please tell me where can I watch it?

[@LearningaboutMovies]

It might be available on the Criterion Channel. Criterion put out the definitive disc series on The Decalogue (the Bluray version). If you can't find it on a streaming service, I recommend you find the Bluray someone, perhaps from a local library.

[@yashswami2289]

@@LearningaboutMovies I think criterion channel has removed it. Let's see where can I find it. But thanks for the reply

[@Гпник-д3ч]

I downloaded it from torrent. Not something I'm proud of, but dekalog is worth it.

[@christopherczajasager9030]

And religion??? entirely based on the 10 COMMANDMENTS....applies to all regimes...especially Catholic POLSKA...before and after the communist era...the people remained Catholic, in fact Gorbachev cited the Polish Woytila, later Pope, caused the overthrow of all Soviet occupied lands.

[@joanofarc33]

There’s a Protestant ten commandments? I had no idea🤷‍♀️

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes!

[@TheKielbasaKid]

The only difference is in the numbering. The content of the Commandments is the same.

[@Mrbimmer11]

Protestant orthodox catholic eawen hebrew all are christian we should stay together against the ewil non christian in the world

[@misha90two]

I don't subscribe to any particular religion, but commusnist Poland definitely was not an atheist country when the movies came out, far from it, they had a Pope, you know, you can't equal ussr to Poland

[@1995yuda]

Thanks for making this video and explaining this so potently. I wanted to see if this is really worth watching. I'm Jewish so it's even more interesting for me since I have a deeper understanding of the subject matter. I wonder if I'll get new insights watching this. People really don't scratch the surface of what judaism teaches but everyone have something to say, it's absurd. Why not actually learn the depths of the teachings before looking like a dumbass.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

You're welcome. I come at these movies from the Christian viewpoint, which I am familiar with, but I'd love to hear a Jewish perspective on the Decalogue series. While it has a few overt Christian images, especially in Decalogue 1 (the first movie), my guess is that it's watchable from your POV as well.

[@1995yuda]

@@LearningaboutMovies In terms of me being jewish and watching content that is opposed to judaism's teachings, the "jewish way" to go about it if it really peaks my interest for some reason, would be to 100% watch it and deeply immerse myself in the content as far as I can, just a 360 degree deep dive until I feel I have understood what is being communicated. We have an obligation to accept wisdom regardless of its vessel. Once I have done that, I would need to revisit judaism's teachings and put the two opposing ideas to the test untill I completely distill the essence and trace it back to the Source. I think the best way to get a jewish perspective on the Decalouge would be to get a jewish perspective on the Ten Commandments and follow the process I mentioned above. I'd be happy to share my opinion after I'll watch it of course. Completely unrelated - have you watched Cowboy Bebop ?

[@Mrbimmer11]

Poland was not comunist in 1988 they came out from comunism in 1981 with lech walensa a shipyard worker that stod against the comunist block alone and later became the leader of poland and about 95 % in poland was cristians all the time the last 200 years

[@LearningaboutMovies]

if this were so: 1) why have no Polish commenters corrected this fact? they've had a year to do so. 2) why does everything I find online about this say 1989 was the year that Polish communism finally fell?

[@nash57]

@@LearningaboutMovies polish person here, my mum was born and lived in Poland for over 30 years and she can confirm that it was 1989

[@OskarGlaza]

Hello, I'm Polish, currently writing from Wałęsa's city and where fall of communism in Poland began. I don't know what OP is smoking, but you are correct in the video. By all definitions, Poland became a free and 'not-communist' state after (partly) free elections in 1989. The Round Table only happened in 1988. 1981 was the very beginning of the Solidarity movement and it's when martial law was introduced, so pretty far from fall of communism. I love your videos, Dr Matthews, please keep making more!