Review of Martyrs (2008) by Richard H — 24 May 2012

Now the second time I've seen this movie I can give it a proper review. By turns intelligent, gruesome, shocking, moving and in the end hugely divisive. Easily one of the most violent and upsetting mainstream movies ever made and part of the current French "Wave Extreme".

The plot is simple but also quite clever. The 2nd act is open to a lot of interpretation and then the end of the movie (couldnt call it a conclusion!) leaves you wondering.

The acting is intense and when people say horror movies arent well acted or moving, they forgot that they can be. This movie actually moved me to tears both times I've seen it. I may be brave enough to watch it again.

However it is SICKENING in places and not in a cool enjoyable way. Equally its not torture porn, its cool and detached. In a way, that makes it even more gruelling. A lot of people will watch this and hate it. I think its down to the way you see it. If you dont like horror movies, advant garde movies or ambigious endings, then give it a miss.

Think carefully before you take this movie on! Good luck!