Review of The Last House on the Left (1972) by Jose M — 21 Mar 2011

The Last House on the Left is a really harsh film that had me expecting the worst. I can say my expectations were fulfilled at a certain degree of discomfort. What does that say about me? Yet, what does it say about the other people who saw the film? I doubt anyone can walk out of the film without any reaction to this flick. Yet, there is a core to the film other than the external content that reveals itself if anyone bothers to dig. The film centers around two girls that are kidnapped on their way to see a rock band. The girls are then taken to woods and raped and murdered. The murders seek refuge and find a house, yeah; itâ(TM)s the last one to the left. You canâ(TM)t miss it. There it turns out that the people living there are actually one of the victimâ(TM)s parents where the parents exact their revenge on the murderers. Well, I gave you the film pretty much, but you have to watch it if you want an understanding over the meaning of the film. The film is an ode and modernization to auteur Ingmar Bernardâ(TM)s The Virgin Spring with Max Von Sydow. However, it also serves as commentary on American culture along with violence, law enforcement, human nature, and Vietnam War while reinforcing male hegemony. I can clearly say this is a lot better than the 2009 remake although that film was not too shabby. Oh and by the way, I found the music in the Last House pretty odd and cool despite its inappropriateness.

Grade: B+.