Three Colors: White (1994)

Original Title

Trois couleurs: Blanc

Genres

Comedy, Drama

Director

Krzysztof Kieślowski

Countries

France, Poland, Switzerland

Cast

Zbigniew Zamachowski, Julie Delpy, Janusz Gajos, Jerzy Stuhr, Aleksander Bardini, Grzegrz Warchol, Cezary Harasimowicz, Jerzy Nowak, Jerzy Trela, Teresa Budzisz-Krzyzanowska

Storyline

After his French wife (Julie Delpy) divorces him, Polish immigrant Karol (Zbigniew Zamachowski) goes back to Poland and plots to get even with her.

Opinion

I wasn't crazy about "Blue". It was a good film, but I didn't love it. I'm not the kind of person who gives up though - and I've been also told that the trilogy got better with which instalment - so I decided to keep watching. And it sure did get better. "White" is indeed a superb, deep yet entertaining film.

After using the blue of the French flag to make a movie about freedom, this time around Kieslowski chose white to talk about equality and he did it with a fantastic, engaging and, yes, very unlikely story of revenge that will keep you glued to the screen thanks to its unexpected twists.

I know it sounds kind of weird, dealing with equality with a tale of revenge, but it actually works. And the Polish director successfully manages to show the struggle for equality and how the second word of the French motto is important in society; he also shows that no matter how hard one tries, equality will never be attained. But after all, that's not even what people really want. 

Although it's very different from "Blue", "White"'s visuals are equally stunning. The colours seem warmer, which works really well with the film's plot; the photography, lighting and editing all are top-notch.

And just like its predecessor, the acting is marvellous. I knew already how good Julie Delpy is so she was no surprise to me, but Zbigniew Zamachowski blew me away. His performance as Karol, the possessive husband seeking revenge, is superb. He owns the character and he's able to make you feel for him. Finally, Janusz Gajos proves a good support.