Valentine Dussaut (Irène Jacob) is a university student / fashion model in Geneva. She is brought by circumstances to have a connection with a retired judge, Joseph Kern (Jean-Louis Trintignant), who has serious social problems.
Valentine and Joseph have associations with other interesting characters (including a pregnant dog) who together seem to live in an odd, fascinating, mysterious urban universe. The conversations among them reveal shock, mystery, and puzzle-solving which most other films would have revealed by action only. This unique style is one of the film's many praises. And the continuing connection of the seemingly odd pair is also touching.
A parallel story in the film involves Auguste (Jean-Pierre Lorit), a young law student who is in a very troubled relationship. This is similar to Valentine who is in a difficult long-distance relationship. Valentine has further troubles in her family of origin whose circumstances are less than ideal.
The mix of characters and their circumstances reflect much of life's yearnings, disappointments, and occasional happy moments with various coincidences and similarities that give the impression that all people are connected. The screenplay (by Krzsysztof Kieslowski, the film's director, and Krzsysztof Piesiwicz) shows compassion for their very flawed, very human characters.
"Three Colours: Red" is the last of a trilogy that is preceded by "Three Colours: Blue" and "Three Colours: White". To enjoy "Red", it is not necessary to have seen the other two except perhaps in regards to the final scene in "Red". But it is likely best to see them in order any way if you're like me. Also, I join the consensus that "Red" is the best film of the trilogy. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 9 out of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Directing by Krzsysztof Kieslowski.
Valentine and Joseph have associations with other interesting characters (including a pregnant dog) who together seem to live in an odd, fascinating, mysterious urban universe. The conversations among them reveal shock, mystery, and puzzle-solving which most other films would have revealed by action only. This unique style is one of the film's many praises. And the continuing connection of the seemingly odd pair is also touching.
A parallel story in the film involves Auguste (Jean-Pierre Lorit), a young law student who is in a very troubled relationship. This is similar to Valentine who is in a difficult long-distance relationship. Valentine has further troubles in her family of origin whose circumstances are less than ideal.
The mix of characters and their circumstances reflect much of life's yearnings, disappointments, and occasional happy moments with various coincidences and similarities that give the impression that all people are connected. The screenplay (by Krzsysztof Kieslowski, the film's director, and Krzsysztof Piesiwicz) shows compassion for their very flawed, very human characters.
"Three Colours: Red" is the last of a trilogy that is preceded by "Three Colours: Blue" and "Three Colours: White". To enjoy "Red", it is not necessary to have seen the other two except perhaps in regards to the final scene in "Red". But it is likely best to see them in order any way if you're like me. Also, I join the consensus that "Red" is the best film of the trilogy. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 9 out of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Directing by Krzsysztof Kieslowski.