A Short Film About Killing (1988)

In the stark landscape of a city teetering on the edge of moral ambiguity, "A Short Film About Killing" unravels a chilling tale of life and death, justice and prejudice. The narrative unfolds around a wayward young man, his intentions as sinister as the shadowy alleys he prowls. His life intertwines tragically with that of an unsuspecting taxicab driver, resulting in a senseless, violent act of murder, so raw and graphic it feels almost botched. Simultaneously, an idealistic young lawyer, freshly minted from the crucible of the bar exam, contemplates his path in this unjust world. Fate takes a grim turn as he finds himself appointed to the defense of the young man, a case that evolves into a stark indictment of capital punishment. The relentless machinery of justice churns out a cold, calculated execution, a flawless performance of judicial murder that parallels the raw brutality of the initial crime. The lawyer, despite his lofty ideals, becomes an unwilling accessory to this state-sanctioned killing, his journey illuminating a profound critique of the act of killing in all its forms. "A Short Film About Killing" is an unflinching exploration of societal violence, questioning not just the act of murder but the very systems we trust to deliver justice. This compelling narrative will draw you into its darkness, leaving you to grapple with the unsettling realities of life, death, and the blurred line between.

A Short Film About Killing is a crime movie featuring Mirosław Baka and directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski.

A Short Film About Killing is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.