Three Colors: Red

Dialogue heavy, yet cinematic in the best way, RED is Kieslowski's greatest achievement. Never in danger of being anachronistic, RED tells a simple story of love, fraternity and fate with philosophical underpinings rarely seen in movies.

I revisit the film often and am always stunned by it's power. Irene Jacob gives a gorgeous, complex performance as Valentine -- a young woman too good for this world. Valentine might be the most beautiful character ever filmed. She's so easy on the eyes and her beauty is soulful and authentic. There's a depth to her beauty that drives her choices and holds the narrative together.

Jean-Louis Trintignant gives a stirring performance as the bitter, retired Judge who is transformed by Valentine's goodness. All the characters in RED seem to have an authenticity that stems from Kieslowski's early years shooting documentaries in Poland. It's a staple of all his fiction work -- rich characterizations and performances that are subtle and human.

I can't say enough about Kieslowski's direction in RED. His camera movement and compositions are unforgettable, yet they never draw too much attention to themselves. You could never accuse him of style over substance for they always seem to be in perfect balance. The film is so well made that even Kieslowski said there was nothing left for him to say in cinema after RED.

David Mamet might be right when he says drama can't change people's lives but RED might be the one exception. When you give yourself over to it's powers, you might be inspired and transformed in unexpected ways.