The final film in a gripping trilogy, this movie has made a lasting impression on its viewers, with strong themes of politics, social issues and relationships.
Three Colours: Red is the conclusion of the Three Colours trilogy, preceeded by Blue and White, all examining the core values of the French Revolution – Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
This film was released in 1994 as the first psychological mystery film, written, directed and produced by one filmmaker, Krzysztof Kieślowski.
Fans of artistic films are more than impressed by the feature, giving it an overall rating of 100 per cent on the review site Rotten Tomatoes.
Its focus on the idea of close relationships and how people’s lives become closely intertwined struck a chord with many viewers who have left raving reviews.
One person wrote: “The greatest accomplishment in cinema of the 1990s. You must see all three films in the trilogy: White, Blue, then Red, and watch them in that order. They are amazing, the masterwork of a genius who died shortly after completing the trilogy.”
Each film takes on the colour of its title throughout, adding to the creative elements of this masterful filmmaking, as many viewers have pointed out.
A review states: “This is a gorgeously shot film. The story is very different and unique in its tone and characters, so well written and acted by some amazing performers. This is a must-see.”
Another says: “It is a warning of what may come if we isolate ourselves from others and cut off communication.”
Since its release, Three Colours: Red has been widely recognised as the best film of the trilogy, and one of the best French language films ever made. It was recognised across the industry with three major nominations at the Academy Awards, including Best Director for the late Kieślowski.
The film follows the story of Valentine, a student at the University of Geneva, working part-time as a model and stuck in a possessive relationship with her boyfriend. She befriends a retired judge after accidentally running over his dog, and despite having very little in common, they form a strong relationship.
Red explores the ideas of fate and connections and how human relationships intertwine.
Another review read: “The cinematography and camera angles used were very intriguing, and the use of colour was interesting. The colour red was used to signify the important characters in the movie and to highlight important things.
“What a great movie and what a lovely actress. Very cute and charming.”
Red acts as the last piece to the puzzle and the final instalment of the series, after which Kieślowski announced his retirement from filmmaking. Although, just two years later, the director died suddenly, and this film acts as the incredible legacy he left behind.
To take a glimpse into the mind of Kieślowski and see just one of the highly acclaimed three films in the series, Three Colours: Red, is available to rent now on Apple TV.