Martyrs

[rok]

I came across this movie being discussed on several horror sites, and also learned that the director (Pascal Laugier of France) is handling the Hellraiser remake/reboot/reimagining/whatever. Holy sweet mother of god. This is one of the most brutal and unsettling films I've ever seen, and I've watched a lot of disturbing ones in my day. Yet this is much more than a cheap attempt to shock. This is a movie with a frightening and unique story that evolves and shifts directions several times during the film, and the ending left me thinking about it for days. It isn't a twist, but it puts the entire film into perspective in a very profound way. It affected me deeply. I watched it again a few days ago with friends, and am now convinced that it is one of the best horror films of the last decade. I hate to pump any film, especially one so controversial, and I realize that something like this is an acquired taste, but this is a movie that not only is shocking, but makes you think. It accomplishes what movies like Hostel and other so-called "torture porn" films attempted to do, but failed. Notice that I'm not giving away any of the plot. I think it's best to not know what you're getting yourself into and have an open mind. If you like horror and aren't afraid to be repulsed, scared and have your emotions toyed with in a big way, I highly recommend this. I can see why the director was chosen to fill Clive Barker's shoes. Anyway, this comes out next month on DVD. It has subtitles, so be warned.

[liner]

the opening scene was the first one in a very long time that actually kind of scared me. i felt that the third act was a little bit violent just for the sake of being violent but i know that's because they were really trying to pound something home. very disturbing film, very ballsy. the actresses were amazing throughout. most decent horror movies i watch these days i don't consider "scary", just cool movies but this one definitely had some scenes that got the blood rushing. no punches were pulled in this one and you can't say that for almost anything they put out there these days, at least not anything within my limited viewing realm. good stuff.

[rok]

Good to hear I'm not alone in liking this movie. I've watched it 4 times now and it's gotten better with each viewing. Some of my friends didn't get it, but the few that did were floored by it in a good way and it stuck with them for weeks.