Decalogue I (1989)
Krzysztof Kieślowski's haunting first chapter of the Dekalog series pits reason against faith in a story of devastating consequence.
Decalogue I - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dekalog, jeden
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Krzysztof Kieślowski
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, TV Movie
- Runtime: 53m
- Original Language: Polish
- Spoken Languages: Polish
- Production Companies: Sender Freies Berlin, Telewizja Polska, Studio Filmowe Tor
- Production Countries: Germany, Poland
- Alternative Titles: Dekalog 1. Bölüm (TR), Tízparancsolat I. (HU)
Decalogue I - Plot
Krzysztof, a semantics professor and computer hobbyist, is raising his young son, Paweł, to look to science for answers, while Irena, Paweł's aunt, lives a life rooted in faith. Over the course of one day, both adults are forced to question their belief systems.
Where to Watch Decalogue I
Looking for where to watch Decalogue I?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Decalogue I - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Krzysztof Kieślowski
Main Cast
- Henryk Baranowski
- Wojciech Klata
- Maja Komorowska
- Artur Barciś
- Agnieszka Brustman
- Maciej Borniński
- Magdalena Mikołajczak
- Maria Gładkowska
- Anna Smal-Romanska
- Ewa Kania
Writers
- Krzysztof Piesiewicz
- Krzysztof Kieślowski
Decalogue I - FAQs
Where can I watch Decalogue I online?
Decalogue I is available to stream on select platforms in the United States. You can check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming, rental, and purchase options in your region, as availability may vary depending on your country and subscription services.
What is the ending of Decalogue I explained?
The film ends with Krzysztof's son Paweł drowning after the ice he was skating on breaks, despite Krzysztof's computer calculating it as safe. The devastating conclusion challenges Krzysztof's faith in rationalism and science, leaving him — and the viewer — confronting the limits of human knowledge and the mystery of existence.
What is Decalogue I about?
Decalogue I follows a Warsaw professor who raises his son through the lens of science and logic, while the boy's devout aunt offers a contrasting spiritual worldview. When a tragic accident occurs, both adults are forced to confront the boundaries of reason and faith in a single shattering day.
Is Decalogue I based on a true story?
Decalogue I is not based on a specific true story. It is an original work written by Krzysztof Kieślowski and Krzysztof Piesiewicz, inspired by the First Commandment. The series was conceived as a meditation on moral and ethical dilemmas in contemporary Polish society.
Who directed Decalogue I?
Decalogue I was directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski, the acclaimed Polish filmmaker known for his deeply humanist and philosophical cinema. Kieślowski directed all ten episodes of the Dekalog series, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in television history.
Who are the main actors in Decalogue I?
The principal cast includes Henryk Baranowski as Krzysztof, Wojciech Klata as his son Paweł, and Maja Komorowska as Irena, the boy's aunt. Artur Barciś also appears in a memorable silent role as a mysterious, watchful figure, a recurring presence throughout the Dekalog series.
How long is Decalogue I?
Decalogue I has a runtime of 53 minutes. As the first episode of Kieślowski's ten-part Dekalog series, each installment was conceived as a self-contained short film, allowing for focused, intimate storytelling within a compact running time.
Did Decalogue I win any awards?
The Dekalog series as a whole received widespread critical acclaim and numerous international honors. It won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Venice Film Festival and is consistently ranked among the greatest works in cinema history. Decalogue I, as the series opener, is frequently cited as one of its most powerful episodes.
More About Decalogue I
Explore further details about Decalogue I on these authoritative resources.