![Cinema of Conflict: Four Films by Krzystof KieĹlowski: Blizna / Amator / Przypadek / Bez KoĹca [BOX] [4xBlu-Ray] (English subtitles)](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81%2BiEiARuUL.jpg)
Few names are as synonymous with Polish cinema as that of Krzystof Kie lowski, the renowned auteur responsible for the Dekalog and Three Colours trilogy. Prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall and his subsequent creative and critical success in France, Kie lowski plied his trade within the confines of the Eastern Bloc, capturing the realities of everyday life under Soviet rule. This collection gathers his four earliest narrative feature films, encapsulating the years 1976 1984. In 1976 s The Scar, a well-intentioned Party loyalist is charged with overseeing the construction of a new chemical plant in the face of fierce resistance and is forced to confront the conflict between his good intentions and local opposition. In 1979 s Camera Buff, a family man and amateur filmmaker experiences a dramatic change in fortunes when his newfound hobby opens up new horizons but also results in deep marital and philosophical conflicts. Blind Chance, completed in 1981 and denied a release in its native Poland until 1987, presents three possible outcomes to a single, seemingly banal event a young medical student running to catch a train and, in the process, explores the relationship between chance and choice. Finally, in 1984 s No End, a recently bereaved translator juggles the conflicting demands of her work, caring for her son and her continued visions of her late husband, all against the backdrop of a Poland under the grip of martial law. As socially conscious as Kie lowski s earlier documentary shorts, this quartet of films covers a tumultuous period in Polish and Eastern European history, shot with unflinching realism by a filmmaker of distinction
M**N
He was a master before Dekalog too
Just to be clear: I like Kieslowski a lot. If someone asks me who my favourite director is, I say "Kieslowski" and watch the various ways the face can convey "who?".This means my review is (from an filmmaking stand point) biased as hell and should probably be ignored.However, as a major fan, it is important to me how the restoration looks, sounds and what extras are available, as well as the longevity of the casing.I already own these films in the Kino Video boxset, and the quality had much to be desired. This Arrow boxset is about as good as it gets, and what you should expect of some of Kieslowski's greatest works. Yes, yes, I know his work after Dekalog is what everyone pines over - but his first 5 films must not be ignored. They are mostly non-subtle political statements with the humanity thread that later became his trademark stamp running deeply through the middle. I won't lie, when I first saw them on the Kino Video collection I struggled to sympathise. Mainly due to a lack of Polish history... and this is where the extras come in: each film has a n interview with a Kieslowski boffin who explains the situation at the time for the country and the director. In some cases you'll find a documentary on Polish cinema in general and where Kieslowski's work resides among the impressive output at the time (be prepared to take notes). But also, the film commentary is worth a listen. I don't normally bother with them, but I struggled with the first 30 minutes of Blind Chance during my first viewing over 15 years ago, and now it makes perfect sense... as well as having a far more powerful impact due to understanding Kieslowski's life situation at the time of filming.As for the box: though I'm not a massive fan of the cover art, the box is solid and each film is in its own blu ray case. The booklet is also a welcome bonus, broken up into 4 sections for each film.I've been waiting a long time for a replacement to the Kino Video release, and this blows it out of the water.I only wish The Calm was included, but that's me being greedy, not a complaint.
B**L
Excellent release of four very interesting films
The films look and sound great, and the extra's are abundant and very interesting. This is a limited edition, do not miss out! Buy with confidence.
C**Y
Highly recommended for independent cinema aficionados.
A beautifully designed and crafted boxset of one of the finest directors to ever live. Well worth the money.
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