User reviews

It's a nicely-crafted Polish serial killer thriller, similar in tone and premise to any number of relatively recent Scandi-noir procedurals. The pace is deliberate and it's used effectively to develop the characters; a particular victim and her family get lots of screen time but the movie doesn't get bogged down in pathos. There's nothing particularly surprising in the story but it's a well-executed take on a familiar formula with good performances, comprehensible character motivations and some deft flourishes. Overall this is nothing spectacular but it's a solid effort that hits the right notes and concludes in a satisfying way.

Netflix presents the movie 'The Colors of Evil: Red'. Do not confuse it with the 'Three Colors' trilogy by the master Krzysztof Kieslowski. 'Red' is based on the first of the three novels 'Colors of Evil', which are: Red, Black, and White, by the writer Malgorzata Oliwia Sobczak. It is written and directed by Adrian Panek, who previously made 'Wake Up' for Netflix, as well as 'Hounds' outside the catalog. He also co-writes with Lukasz M. Maciejewski, well-known on the platform for 'The King of Warsaw', 'Mother's Day', and 'The Master of Escapes', which brings us our protagonist, Jakub Gierszal. Alongside him is Zofia Jastrzebska, whom we also know from 'Infamy' and 'The Girl and the Cosmonaut'. Now, combining crime and drama with serial killers, the premise goes like this: When the body of a young woman appears on a beach in the Tricity area of Poland, the prosecutor joins the victim's mother in an impetuous search for the truth.

'The Colors of Evil: Red' is a decent, effective, very entertaining movie with a few surprises. Zofia Jastrzebska is fantastic... But when all is said and done, nothing has changed, you feel the same, you forget it. If you watch it, you'll have a good time; if not, you're not missing much. You won't find strong characters, an intelligent plot, anything you haven't seen before, nor brilliant direction, nor notable cinematography, music, or performances. It hardly has any action. However, it is quick, direct, concise, simple, and works as a distraction... But if you're looking for more, try a marvel like 'The Stranger', also on Netflix. Based on true events, it introduces two strangers who meet on a long journey. Apparently, they are two normal people with nothing to hide. But the reality is different, and they will soon discover it in the worst possible way. 'The Stranger' is a yes; 'The Colors of Evil: Red'... Maybe. Let me know if you like it.

Colors of Evil : Red is a thriller and murder mystery with minimum action. I wished for more action. However, this is a good film to watch. There a few twists and turns. Direction is good but slow at times. The main character goes everywhere and never shown carrying or firing a gun. Was he not supposed to have a gun !!!

A young girl, daughter of a female judge is killed and her body is found at the sea shore mutilated. She is is shown entering a club to look for a job and she gets it. Later it is revealed that the owner of this club is a notorious gangster having contacts at all the levels. He kills men and women brutally. He is the main suspect of killing Monica, the daughter of the judge. What happens further, you have to watch this film.

Go and watch this film on Netflix.

I have mixed feelings after watching the movie. I had no high expectations, so I wasn't disappointed - overally, a decent crime thriller, but the one, which you probably will forget. There are some original ideas, and a magnetic charater of a main villain, a gangster boss and a sexual deviant, who killed and mutilated a young girl Monika. Or maybe did he not?

A great acting was performed by Monika's mother, Helena, an acknowledged Polish actress Maja Ostaszewska. Her character is a family court judge, with a broken own family life, who tries to seek the truth. Performances of the rest of the cast were good, but rather forgetable. The victim, which we get to know better from flashbacks, a young actress Zofia Jastrzebska, did well in difficult graphic violence and nudity scenes.

Script writer and filmmakers had an interesting general plot, but at times I had an impression, that they lacked an idea how to develop the action. Especially it was visible well before the end of the movie, when the police seem to enjoy an easy success against the main suspect, and the tension breaks. Some will find an interesting plot twist, some - incredible plot holes.

All in all, a decent film to watch. Luckilly, the producers didn't develop it into a mini series, what would have been a waste of time.

Say you are searching for a gripping thriller, something that has a good story and keeps you hooked until the very last moment. Colors of Evil: Red, shortened to COE:R in this review, might have its flaws, but the match exists.

The story follows two perspectives: Monika is a young woman trying to make a living in the underworld. She seems cunning, but the world might reveal itself as being too harsh. In the meantime, Leopold is the newest Prosecutor of Tri-City, and has to investigate a murder that might reveal the traces of a serial killer.

Nothing out of what we have seen multiple times, if we dig deep. One murder has one particularity that links to a series of unsolved murders, the serial killer is either unknown or someone with power. Ordinary stuff, but COE:R executes it alright, which is a plus. Even though the story has nothing that stands out from the sea of thrillers, the simplistic take of COE:R is enough for us, and I think that's mainly because of the main character.

Leopold by Jakub Gierszal has something that is likeable, and I guess that's because Jakub's youngling face is warmful enough. He just wants to do the right thing and solve the damn murder.

Truth be told, character development is a bit off, yes. Monika is perhaps the character with the most noticible development, whereas Leopold lags behind, much of his own story and progress simplified to just wanting to solve the murder. Jakub's performance itself being a bit planky if we think about it - in this department, kudos do Zofia Jastrzebska as Monika and Maja Ostaszewska as Helena; great acting overall.

In true crime fashion, the turning plot point is good and gripping, even though the fact is so simple. Plus one here.

The cinematography is nothing out of the ordinary, but I have to comment on the soundtrack. Maybe that's standard Polish tracks, common on their repertoir, but the songs stood out as being out of place with the movie's tone, at least for me.

Overall, COE:R works, a nice entry in the crime thriller genre, even with its flaws. If you want to go casual on a straightforward story that delives, this movie is a nice option.

I am surprised by the low rating!!

After a night on the town at the seaside, the body of a young woman, Monika, is found dead on a beach, with among other things, her lips cut off. A perfect start especially for fans of crime and rough stories.

Part of the story is told in flashback and the violence is, at times, pretty gruesome, and not for the faint of heart. But for some that may actually be a bonus.

It's about parents who don't know what they are doing, let alone what their children are up to. It's about a possible serial killer obsessed by women. The twists and turns go darker and darker and also more strange, it still worked for me as a portrait of pure evil.

This is not an arthouse film, but a very good crime thriller. The ending left me speechless, totally unexpected.

Don't miss it!

"Kolory zla. Czerwien" is a cinematic endeavor that delves into the murkier aspects of human nature, presenting a complex tapestry of emotions, moral ambiguities, and visceral horrors. From the outset, Panek's direction is unmistakable, weaving a somber atmosphere that permeates every frame, drawing the viewer into a world where the lines between good and evil are incessantly blurred.

Visually, the film is a masterpiece, with a palette that is as muted as it is haunting, reflecting the inner turmoil of its characters. The cinematography is noteworthy, particularly in scenes where the camera lingers on the desolate landscapes, echoing the emotional barrenness of the protagonists. A standout sequence, where a character navigates a dimly lit, abandoned structure, is a testament to the film's ability to craft tension through shadows and silence, leaving the audience on edge.

However, the narrative's ambition sometimes outpaces its execution. The pacing falters midway, bogged down by an overreliance on introspective monologues that, while providing depth, disrupt the otherwise taut storytelling. The character development, while commendable in its complexity, occasionally feels uneven, with certain arcs resolving a bit too conveniently, undermining the film's otherwise stark realism.

The cast delivers performances that are as intense as they are nuanced, bringing to life characters that are multifaceted and, at times, uncomfortably relatable. The chemistry between leads is palpable, particularly in moments of heightened emotional distress, where the actors' commitment to their roles is evident.

Despite its flaws, "Kolory zla. Czerwien" remains a thought-provoking, visually stunning piece that challenges its audience. It's a film that will linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll, not necessarily because of its plot twists, but due to the haunting questions it poses about the human condition. For viewers seeking a cinematic experience that is as unsettling as it is contemplative, this might be a worthwhile, albeit imperfect, journey.

I generally associate Netflix movies with safe, forgettable nonsense that isn't worth anyone's time. Just every so often though they release something out of left field that is dark and grimy and highly watchable. 'Colors of Evil: Red' is exactly one of those films.

From a very early point it was clear that this film wasn't afraid to go to some very dark places. From there we meet each of the characters, and this is where the film is at its strongest. All the characters are extremely well defined. If you are supposed to be rooting for someone, then you will be. If someone is meant to be an antagonist, then they are portrayed as pure evil. The divide is clear and pronounced.

This is just my kind of movie. A murder mystery/thriller with great pacing (there aren't any down periods in the film) and a dark, twisting plot. More of this please Netflix. 9/10.

I try to watch as many of the Non-English films as I can if they have been dubbed. Involves a young Polish Prosecutor, his investgations into the murder of a teenager and what obstructions he encompasses on the way including those from his boss and one specific detective officer on the payroll of the Mafia who infiltrate virtually every country on the World's Map. Involves some discreet sex, drugs, fetishes, Police and Judicial corruption and some violence but also shows how and why relationships fail, why teens go off the rails and are left to their own devices. It's interesting and quite intense even if a little convoluted but providing you DO like conspiracies you WILL enjoy this for sure. Polish dubbed to English, great acting.

Kolory Zla. Czerwien (or Colors Of Evil: Red for the English ) is a Polish crime/drama/thriller that is worth a watch if you are looking for a not too complicated story. I won't say it's the greatest movie I watched in this genre but there is an interesting twist in the story that makes it stand out. Not the craziest twist, they didn't make it feel like there was going to be a twist, but it was not bad. The acting wasn't bad either. I'm not really familiar with the Polish actors but they did a good job making it look professional. Good cinematography as well so nothing bad to write about Colors Of Evil.

Colors of evil (2024) is good to watch. It it good to watch because, it has some good concept. This movie is based on crime, thriller. It is definitely recommended if you want to feel some action, thrill's, crime based movie. I will recommend to watch if you are looking for this type of movie. I do not know this movie is based on true story or fictional story. But, if it is true or fictional it is still good to watch. At the ending the twist was really good to watch. After finishing 80% of the movie you will feel it is finished but not, the real story uncover there.

25 December 2024 Watched H Dubbed On Netflix.

Agile film, with an intelligent mix of flash backs and real events. Effective narrative with always maintained interest. Big twists, and just when you think the film is over, a final part appears, like a coda to a Symphony. Intelligent film with excellent actors. These bad reviews are nonsense. The film is not that violent, and the violence that appears is not gratuitous. Surprised by the technical quality of current Polish films. With good production, good actors, good script. In short: a top-notch crime film, with no commonplace and full of surprises. And forget the bad reviews: this is a good thriller.

No spoilers because there's nothing to spoil.

Bad soundtrack, cliché plot and twists, melodramatic acting, nonsensical character decisions and annoying editing all wrapped into this Netflix film. It's like a dumb, extended murder-of-the-week show.

There's no real substance here to warrant watching this almost two-hour dump. Anyone who has ever seen a movie before can figure this out past the 1st act. And the ham-fisted attempt to shoehorn in an assault survivor story lands as a lame play to emotion, but ultimately goes flat because there's no character development to make the viewer interested.

Seriously, Netflix keeps churning out these steam piles and I keep hoping one will be worth watching.

Short story long, save your time.

I usually don't have high expectations on Netflix movies but every now & then there's one that I really enjoy watching and this is one of them! Now this is also a bit of a graphic movie with a bunch of uncomfortable scenes that you barely see in movies these days and I think that's what was important to set the tone very well and keep you wanting to know the truth.

It's hard to watch cuz some scenes are heavy especially mentally but it's also a realistic portrait of these kinds of crimes. The acting especially from the mother was really good!

I'd definitely recommend this movie to people that love crime thrillers. I also love the fact that it's a polish movie. I've been enjoying more foreign movies lately.

I really did not know what I was getting in to. I'm physically sick to my stomach and truly shaken to my core. This movie is heinous and graphic and its premise seems never ending. And I am not really sure how you can get anything out of a film like this... But if you are into graphic thrillers and horror films I suppose this foreign film is worth watching. I do wish the information and trailer that was given would have indicated how graphic and upsetting this movie is. Especially for any past rape and domestic abuse victims. Again, if this is your usual genre of movie then I think you may like it. Just not for me.

I was surprised more than anything! Really good movie one of the bests I've watched on Netflix any time soon. It is kind of movie you watch all at once, no pause. Actors are great, land and nature of the country are wonderful and it also remind me of some old good thriller movies. I am amazed and I'm recommending it to all. If you want one great night with pop corn and great quality movie this one sure is. I won't give spoilers I'm just gonna say it has all. Mystery, action, love, romance, drama, murders, horor, comedy and family all in one. All the love and support from Serbia. Love you all!!

(2024) Colors of Evil: Red (In Polish with English subtitles) MYSTERY THRILLER

Adapted from the novel by Malgorzata Oliwia Sobczak co-written and directed by Adrian Panek that opens with a young lady and her brother being let into a club. She tries to entice the bar owner to grant her a job, she makes out with him instead. We then see her body discovered by fisherman, and drag her naked body to the shore face down. Coming to the scene and appears to be in charge is prosecutor, Leopard Bilski (Jakub Gierszal). And by the time the victim is turned over, she is recognized immediately, and it was during then they contact the mother, Helena Bogucka (Maja Ostaszewska) who happens to be a judge and that they bring her in to confirm to authorities whether it was her, that it was her daughter, Monika Bogucka (Zofia Jastrzebska). During the time Monika was found murdered, it's also happens to be the time an alleged suspect of his fiance was convicted of doing a similar nature to his own girlfriend, his name is Adrien Jakubiak (Szymon Czacki and was let out somewhat the same time. And by the time the actual murder was revealed I did not care anymore for the crooked businessman may have killed more than the murder himself.

A few things here, how dumb is it if and when the last three victims were somehow connected to this specific club, and authorities do not have have any court order to search or cross examine the place. The other problem I have is the fact that it is only common sense that police would be interrogating or at least question the people who knew and are connected to the victim, in this case it is Monika, and it is like almost immediately it has got to be the guy who is on parole. And the movie got it wrong- sometimes it is guilty people commit suicide, people who are innocent would stick it out until the actual murder is caught. And this is one of few movies I know where Monika is forced to snort illegal drugs and forced to watch a beating by and for the wealthy businessman, Lukasz Kazarski 'Kazar' (Przemyslaw Bluszcz) without figuring out or questioning who Monika's mother actually is, who happens to be the judge and the daughter of the lawyer he is doing business with! How asinine is that! And I don't know about you, but if my mom was a judge and my dad was a lawyer, I probably would tell them as opposed to a cop I would not know was dirty and under the bad guy's payroll, that is one of the most unlikely scenarios, especially if the bad guy had gotten away with it on three or four other occasions. Also, when the suspected bad guy was arrested, why wasn't the lawyer also implicated! He also could have worked some kind of plea deal with authorities to get himself out of a complicated situation. No one in the club has been cross examined or interrogated regardless how close Monika was with any of them including the coroner's son, that is an unlikely thing to happen in any murder.

This movie is an absolute waste of time. The violence is excessive, the plot is illogical, and the storyline is painfully predictable-so much so that even a child could write a better script. It's clear that the scriptwriters and director lacked creativity, and their work reflects a complete failure. They should be fired, and no one should hire them in the future. Netflix seems to have an excess of free money to invest in such poor content, which does no justice to its audience. It's disappointing, not worth watching, and a true letdown for any viewer expecting quality. Netflix should up their game.

STAR RATING: ***** Brilliant **** Very Good *** Okay ** Poor * Awful

The body of Monica Begucka (Zofia Jastrzebska) washes up on the sea, in mysterious circumstances similar to a case from fifteen years ago. Her mother, and former police chief, Helena (Maja Ostaszewska) joins forces with prosecutor Leopold Bilski (Jakub Gierszel) to track down the killer, and suspicion falls on feared local gangster Kazar (Prezemyslaw Bluszcz), when a ball of severed lips is found in his possession, but as events draw on, things are not as clear as they seem.

Foreign cinema has an unnerving ability to deliver thrillers in a cold, dark, grey style, of the sort that we see increasingly less of on this side of the pond. This Bulgarian effort, from director Adrian Panek, features a slew of actors unheard of on these shores, with names so unpronounceable they make Schwarzenegger sound positively easy. What at first seems a slightly cold and uninviting affair, gradually develops into an intriguing and rewarding thriller that keeps you hooked till the end.

Aside from the moodiness and uninviting greys of the lighting, Panek's film is also unafraid to shy away from some brutal, blood letting violence, liable to illicit a flinch or two from the squeamish. While as a film it unflinchingly delves into the grimy and uncomfortable world it inhabits, it's also carefully wrought, with some clever twists and turns along the way, and unexpected plot developments that allow the story to breathe and hold you in.

It's a bit of a slow starter, with maybe not the most dynamic opening, but it's ultimately a highly rewarding effort, even if it does take a lot out of you to get to the end. ****

Sorry, but this is not enough the high quality to be rated at sufficiency level. Actors are at best mediocre, story slow and unrealistic, director not orienting true reactions to reality. Mother judge is a terrible actor; prosecutor a kid; and killer a stupid second size figure. What is the problem in asking for a consultant from famous series making to improve quality and general making? Why insist on copying american thriller series without enough meat for the grill? Just move on and skip this movie. Better watch the worst FBI series you can find. Just last word: very sorry to see 6.4 score on IMDB, which will get several more people sorry.