The Double Life of Veronique (Podwojne zycie Weroniki) (1991) [Blu-ray] [UK Import]

Veronique and Weronika lead totally separate lives in France and in Poland. They have no blood relation and they and their families have never met, but they are physically identical to one another, and strangely aware of each other’s presence. Despite their different backgrounds, the two share the same likes and foibles. Both of them have a magnificent sublime voice and an extraordinary musical talent. Unfortunately, they also suffer from the same, barely detectable cardiac malformation. They also share the same wisdom, inspiring one to unconsciously avoid making the same mistakes in life as the other. One of the most acclaimed films by the masterful Polish auteur Krzysztof Kieslowski, The Double Life of Veronique is a film about the ineffable that makes no reference to religious dogma or explication. There are wonderful performances by the whole cast, but Irène Jacob is utterly captivating in the twin roles of Veronique and Weronika - her luminous performance both magical and unsettling. Co-written by Kieslowski's regular collaborator Krzysztof Piesiewicz and shot by cinematographer Slawomir Idziak, the film also features a haunting and unforgettable musical score by the incomparable Zbigniew Preisner