Jerzy Stuhr, a beloved Polish actor best known Krzystof Kieslowski’s “Three Colors: White” and “The Decalogue,” stars in and directs this series of four loosely interwoven tales about life and love in contemporary Krakow for four very different men. The conceit: all of them are played by Stuhr. In the first, a married colonel has a crisis of conscience when he’s tempted by an old flame. Then, a priest is visited by a daughter he never knew existed in the confessional booth. Next, a convicted drug dealer is forced to trust his unreliable wife to handle some important business. Finally, a professor struggles for an appropriate response when a student announces she’s in love with him.

Stuhr dedicated “Love Stories” to critically lauded filmmaker Kieslowski, and the tribute is fitting. Following his mentor’s lead, the actor/director explores the mystery of human emotion and connection in fresh, revealing ways, imposing a non-linear narrative structure that keeps us slightly off-balance. Beyond this, Stuhr delivers arresting performances in four distinct roles, seasoned with unexpected moments of humor and pathos. What’s not to love?