

Even after a while
A person is wrongfully accused of murder and sentenced to death. The detective and the accused's fiancée continue their investigation until they are able to identify the real killer.
Insights
Plot Summary
This film is a dark and unflinching exploration of murder and capital punishment. It follows the parallel stories of a taxi driver who commits a brutal murder and a young lawyer who is passionate about abolishing the death penalty. The narrative culminates in a harrowing depiction of a death sentence being carried out, forcing viewers to confront the moral complexities of justice and revenge.
Critical Reception
Krzysztof Kieślowski's 'A Short Film About Killing' is widely regarded as a masterpiece of existential cinema. Critics lauded its powerful anti-death penalty message, its stark visual style, and its profound moral questioning. It is often cited as one of the most significant European films of the late 20th century, though its graphic content has made it a challenging watch for some audiences.
What Reviewers Say
- A profound and disturbing examination of the death penalty.
- Visually striking and morally challenging.
- Offers no easy answers, but poses critical questions about justice and humanity.
Google audience: Audiences praise the film's powerful anti-death penalty stance and its thought-provoking narrative. Many found it to be a deeply impactful and unforgettable cinematic experience, though some noted its intense and graphic nature.
Awards & Accolades
Won the Jury Grand Prix and the FIPRESCI Prize at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be the fifth part of Kieślowski's 'Dekalog' (The Decalogue), a series of ten films based on the Ten Commandments, but it was deemed too long and graphically violent to fit within the television series format, and was thus released as a standalone feature film.
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