“Three Colors: Red” (“Trois Couleurs: Rouge”) is a 1994 French-Swiss film directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski. It is the final installment in the “Three Colors” trilogy, following “Blue” and “White.” The film stars Irène Jacob, Jean-Louis Trintignant, and Frédérique Feder.
The film centers on Valentine Dussaut (Irène Jacob), a kind-hearted and introspective student and part-time model living in Geneva. Her boyfriend, Michel, is frequently absent, and their relationship is strained, primarily maintained through phone calls. Valentine’s life changes when she accidentally runs over a dog named Rita. Determined to find the dog’s owner, she discovers that the dog belongs to a reclusive retired judge, Joseph Kern (Jean-Louis Trintignant).
Joseph, a bitter and disillusioned man, lives alone and spends his days eavesdropping on his neighbors’ phone conversations through illegal surveillance equipment. Despite Valentine’s initial shock and disapproval of Joseph’s actions, she finds herself drawn to him and his complex personality. Over time, a friendship develops between the two, marked by philosophical conversations and mutual curiosity.
Meanwhile, the film introduces Auguste (Jean-Pierre Lorit), a young law student who lives near Valentine. Auguste’s life parallels that of Joseph’s younger self, especially his experiences with love and betrayal. He is in a relationship with Karin (Frédérique Feder), a woman who ultimately cheats on him, mirroring Joseph’s past romantic disappointments.
Valentine’s interactions with Joseph lead her to reflect on her own life and relationships. Joseph, influenced by Valentine’s compassion and integrity, begins to reconsider his cynical view of humanity. He decides to put an end to his eavesdropping and destroy his surveillance equipment, seeking redemption and a sense of closure.
The narrative threads of Valentine, Joseph, and Auguste gradually converge, culminating in a powerful and unexpected finale. Valentine is set to travel to England for a modeling job, and she boards a ferry to cross the English Channel. Simultaneously, other characters from the “Three Colors” trilogy, including Julie (from “Blue”) and Karol and Dominique (from “White”), are also on the ferry.
Tragedy strikes as the ferry encounters a violent storm and sinks, but miraculously, a few passengers survive. The survivors are revealed to be Valentine, Auguste, Julie, Karol, and Dominique. This convergence underscores the trilogy’s theme of interconnectedness and the impact of chance encounters on people’s lives.
“Three Colors: Red” explores themes of fraternity, interconnectedness, and the moral complexities of human relationships. The film delves into the idea of destiny and the unseen threads that link people’s lives. Through the characters of Valentine and Joseph, the story examines themes of compassion, redemption, and the possibility of personal transformation.
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