Film Review: Heaven

The start of another Kieslowski trilogy...

Director Tom Tykwer of Run Lola Run fame along with writers Krzysztof Piesiewicz and the late Krzysztof Kieslowski (makers of the 'Three Colours' series of films) combine to produce the film Heaven. Starring Cate Blanchette as Phillipa Paccard a woman with nothing to live for. Her husband is dead and she's in custody for the bombing of a local gangster, which only succeeded in killing innocent bystanders.

An Englishwoman abroad, under interrogation, a relationship develops with the translator Fillipo. A young impressionable man who`s life is going nowhere. He sees only good in Philippa. Their love soon puts them both in danger, but also gives them reason to go to great lengths to survive.

Part one of another trilogy Heaven, Hell and Purgatory; Heaven is a beautifully filmed work. A thought provoking film Heaven will challenge viewer's beliefs, on many things life, love, crime and punishment, to name but a few.

Essentially optimistic, Heaven is a cinematic light in this dark time. Krzysztof Kieslowski can be proud of this film wherever he is.

Kevin Smith