Based on a real-life search for a serial killer in Poland, the film I Am a Killer (Jestem Morderca) is gripping and interesting to watch, as it explores the issue of corruption in police department, individual morality, and how a police inspector fights with his conscience in solving a case by framing someone without clear evidence.
I read few articles that the story is inspired by some true events in the early 70s. However, I don’t have much info on the real incident. The main character of the film revolves around young lieutenant of the militia gets assigned to solve a murder mystery in which several women were slayed.
While he takes the burden of previous investigations that find no clues whatsoever, he tries his best to use this chances to catch the serial killer and move up the ladder in his service.
The movie I Am a Killer has its historical realities and in presenting the story, director Maciej Pieprzyca has done a great job in introducing many characters. Starting from the cop Janusz Jasinski and his wife Teresa Jasińska; the alleged killer Wieslaw Kalicki and his wife Agata Kulesza; and fellow police officers, everyone is there to add to the storyline.
I Am a Killer is a constant fight between man’s morality and his will to sacrifice everything for the sake of name and fame. As the head of the investigative group Janusz struggles to find the killer, he zeroed in one guy who happens to be in and around one of the murder scenes. But that is not enough for the court to prosecute someone.
The investigator then tries his best to get an acceptance from the alleged killer. In the process, the investigative officer now has the only option to try meet the universal national happiness by pressing for the alleged killer’s sentence than what is written in the rule of law.
In the end, you see that I Am a Killer never really labels the alleged killer who was eventually executed, rather the man who investigated the case and without adequate evidence pushed one into death penalty.
I Am a Killer is a very well-directed film with elements of satire, crime, and serious psychology. It raises many moral questions; it shows the psyche of different characters and their motives. It shows the relationship between different characters, the aspects of family, and the contradiction in the system and the rule of law.
Genres: Thriller, Crime, Drama
Actors: Miroslaw Haniszewski, Arkadiusz Jakubik, Agata Kulesza, among others
Director: Maciej Pieprzyca
Year of Release: 2016
Country: Poland
Language: Polish
