*VERY LIGHT SPOILER INCLUDED*
If you don't mind films that force you to think. If you enjoy films that
have a deep and meaningful underlying theme. If you enjoy films
that don't follow the typical structure of a Hollywood movie. If you
enjoy films that have a unique voice and don't take the easy way
out. Then this is the film for you.
As others have pointed out, this is a film that you either love or
hate. There is rarely a middle ground. That's because if you "get
it" you love it and if you don't... you hate it.
It's a hard film to categorize, but since it's often found in the "horror"
section at your local video store, we'll go with that. However, if your
idea of a horror film is some maniac running around slashing
teenagers or CGI ghosts terrorizing a haunted house, then this
isn't the film for you.
If you've ever read "Dante's Inferno" you'll completely understand
this film. If not, then the general through line is this:
It's the inner journey of a dying man as he comes to terms with his
personal demons and ultimately has to decide whether he'll
choose heaven or hell in the next life.
The acting is absolutely stunning. Tim Robbins gives a tour de
force. The bathtub scene is so gripping I almost believed he was
going to die.
The direction is top notch and the cinematography is a wonder to
behold. It's a darkly beautiful film to watch. The whole experience
is like a celluloid fever dream.
In a film category (horror) littered with Hollywood tripe, this is one
of the handful that can be considered a true classic.
A real gem.
If you don't mind films that force you to think. If you enjoy films that
have a deep and meaningful underlying theme. If you enjoy films
that don't follow the typical structure of a Hollywood movie. If you
enjoy films that have a unique voice and don't take the easy way
out. Then this is the film for you.
As others have pointed out, this is a film that you either love or
hate. There is rarely a middle ground. That's because if you "get
it" you love it and if you don't... you hate it.
It's a hard film to categorize, but since it's often found in the "horror"
section at your local video store, we'll go with that. However, if your
idea of a horror film is some maniac running around slashing
teenagers or CGI ghosts terrorizing a haunted house, then this
isn't the film for you.
If you've ever read "Dante's Inferno" you'll completely understand
this film. If not, then the general through line is this:
It's the inner journey of a dying man as he comes to terms with his
personal demons and ultimately has to decide whether he'll
choose heaven or hell in the next life.
The acting is absolutely stunning. Tim Robbins gives a tour de
force. The bathtub scene is so gripping I almost believed he was
going to die.
The direction is top notch and the cinematography is a wonder to
behold. It's a darkly beautiful film to watch. The whole experience
is like a celluloid fever dream.
In a film category (horror) littered with Hollywood tripe, this is one
of the handful that can be considered a true classic.
A real gem.