Madi Van Reenen, Decalogue 1 & 5

The Decalogue episodes were created to make viewers question the way society acts in comparison with how the Ten Commandments says we should act. The medium of film brings these Commandments to life with heart wrenching stories. What I found the most interesting is that they force you to see what everyone seems to be ignoring and pretending as though isn't there. The stories weren't ridiculously far fetched, children pass away and criminals are given capital punishment all the time. These films simply brought Midrash questions to the surface and forced us to feel the emotions and struggle with the lack of a "correct" answer- because even if there isn't an answer, it's better to at least be asking the question.
The symbol that stuck out to me the most was when the father in Decalogue 1 found out about his son's passing and he ruined an alter in the church out of frustration. The wax falling as Mary's tears pulled at my heart more than anything else in the episodes. This symbolism that Mary was weeping and feeling the same pain as that father because she too lost her one and only son was done extremely well. This bridged the gap between human and divine and showed viewers that even though Jesus was the savior, he was also human and left imprints on those around him.
The films integrated meaning into individual's lives and showing viewers that these are truly instances of breaking commandments. The father who valued science and calculations and not trusting in God and being loyal to Him is not an uncommon experience. This taught viewers that things happen every single day that we cannot explain regardless of numbers and scientific research.
As for the fifth Decalogue episode, the idea of capital punishment as murder is a more common idea and I think people are starting to agree on this but it doesn't make it any easier to talk about.
All in all, these episodes were brilliant and do a great job at breaking down the walls surrounding these contradictions in our everyday life.

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