Review of Ginger Snaps (2000) by Michael Y — 18 Feb 2011

This movie did not need a big budget to be great. All this Canadain cult classic needed was talent and creativity, and in the end, it showed off in a big way.

Ginger Snaps is all about two antisocial sisters who only wish to one day leave their suburban town together. One day as the oldest sister Ginger gets her first period, she is attacked by a werewolf, but she doesn't change at the full moon, rather, she slowly begins to transform into a monster. This movie is an incredable character study movie. And it's so easy to read the characters because the acting in this movie is so well done. The whole werewolf theme is also a medaphore for puberty, and as Ginger turns into a completely different person, her transformation is also affecting her younger sister, Brigitte. Brigitte is the weaker of the two, always relying on Ginger's support. Brigitte truely loves her sister. But when Ginger begins to break away from their sibling friendship, it's up to Brigitte to become the stronger sister and to help Ginger. But in order to help Ginger, she must rely on other people's help, which leaves Ginger feeling betrayed. I can literaly go on and on about how smart this movie is.

John Fawcett does an incredable job directing this movie. Fawcett did a few episodes of Xena. (Which always had great directing) So Fawcett was a perfect choice. He's the kind of guy that uses a lot of cool camera angles and makes the most out of a low budget. And this movie is full of perfectly directed shots, wonderful cinematography and great lighting. This movie also has beautiful scenic shots because it was filmed during Canada's fall season.

Ginger Snaps is by far the best werewolf movie out there. (yes, and I do compare it to An American Werewolf in London) This movie is movie drama than horror. It's a great character study movie full of suspence and heartbreaking drama. But it's also very enjoyable, mixing in black comedy that works incredably well and doesn't ruin the movie's theme at all. Some might love this movie, some might hate it, but Ginger Snaps remains one of my personal favourites for a reason, and if you really study this movie, you'll see just how smart and original it truely is.