No End

In the suffocating atmosphere of Poland after the declaration of martial law in the early 1980s, a powerful existential drama unfolds before the viewer about a woman who cannot cope with the untimely death of her husband. For decades I have been asking myself why my mother, at only forty-two years old, chose to voluntarily leave the earthly world in a similar way to the main character in Kieślowski's movie No End. Although I still can't find an answer, at least now, as the years go by, I understand how bleak she must have felt when she left us here without saying goodbye. From this it is clear that the ending of the movie touches my heart very strongly. It seems far too real to me. Moreover, the heartbreaking, wistful music at the end broke me. (80%) (2023-03-10)

I value the political and psychological storyline of Krzysztof Kieślowski's film, supported by Krzysztof Piesiewicz's quality screenplay and personal experiences. However, the existential aspect of the work does not resonate with me, and I especially couldn't emotionally come to terms with the suicide of the main protagonist. I find it incomprehensible how someone can end their own life and leave their child to fate, despite the pain of losing a partner. The film seems too pessimistic and unbalanced to me, as it lacks a resolution. I did not feel as deeply connected to it as I did with Dekalog, for example. The most valuable aspect for me is the portrayal of Poland's atmosphere after the declaration of martial law and the pacification of society. The oppressive environment of a community devoid of prospects is reminiscent of the beginnings of normalization in the Czech Republic. In terms of acting, it is very decent, as Kieslowski traditionally works with top Polish actors. Overall impression: 60%. (2009-06-17)