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Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
A powerhouse shocker of extreme cinema
Full of sadistic and vicious imagery, this is one of the few films that actually transcends its content almost purely in the way that its made - the 'film in film' approach of the second half makes the extremely gruesome scenes too realistic. Unrelenting, powerful and definitely not a film to entertain - more to shock, provoke and admire - all of which it does extremely effectively. If you want to watch a film that genuinely affects the viewer, look no further - you have be warned!
Lo squartatore di New York (1982)
Intense and Cruel - Fulci in 'Mean Mode'
A complete suprise to me - having seen Zombie and other Fulci films, with his stereotypical gore and inventive killings (usually at the hands of zombies of some type), Fulci moves completely away from any supernatural tone, to a downtrodden New York in modern-day America. A killer is on the loose, viciously murdering attractive young women. The difference that struck me with this particular film was immediate - the deaths are so much more realistic and cruel. The camera lingering over every explicit detail. Fulci seems to have set out to combine horror with thriller in this flick, and has done so on almost every level - the horror, however, mostly comes from the extremely realistic feel that this movie has and the downbeaten locations where everything occurs. The vicious murders seem all the more believable as a result.
I'd read many reviews for this film before finally watching it (in the UK, this film has an almost legendary cult-status; the BBFC actually had the film reels police-escorted out of the country when it was originally sent to them for certification in 1982), but don't necessarily agree with the way everyone mocks the killer's duck-like voice when talking to the police; if anything, it comes across as macabre and there is a reason for it, from a psychological perspective, revealed at the end. Oh yes - the final killing of the cop's girlfriend/prostitute - is every bit as nasty and prolonged as you've heard; the razor being dragged across her open eye and through her nipple, being slashed continually and slowly to ribbons, is just plain mean!
For me this is by far Fulci's cruelest, most intense piece; Recommended only for Fulci fans and those who want something much more disturbing than any mainstream slasher pic - all others stay away; otherwise this one will leave you feeling depressed for hours afterwards
Lik wong (1991)
Crazy entertainment!
Story of Ricky is one of the strangest movies you're likely to watch - full of extreme violence and gore, the action is so furious, the hero a 21 year old sent to prison with super human strength and kung-fu mastery, that the movie is pure entertainment from beginning to end. The effects are quite lame and the dubbing is poor - even the story is wafer-thin, but this simply makes it more fun (had the effects and gore been realistic, it probably would have come off as sick and disturbing); as it is, it's just one furious rollercoaster ride from start to finish. Highly recommended for anyone who likes their action fast, furious and (extremely) bloody. Definately a cult movie and certainly crazy entertainment!
Cannibal ferox (1981)
Italian Gore Fest
Though containing various scenes of sadistic cruelty and violence, there is very little in terms of truly disturbing content. The acting and scenes are quite cheesy making the whole film more easy going than it otherwise could be. Check out the RMM/Grindhouse VHS re-mastered release for best quality (which also is fully uncut with interviews, photo stills and other goodies). All in all, a late-night gore fest with a typical Italian cheesy feel.
Nothing like Cannibal Holocaust in either tone or effect - if you're new to Cannibal films, check this first!
Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
A powerhouse shocker of extreme cinema
Full of sadistic and vicious imagery, this is one of the few films that actually transcends its content almost purely in the way that its made - the 'film in film' approach of the second half makes the extremely gruesome scenes too realistic. Unrelenting, powerful and definitely not a film to entertain - more to shock, provoke and admire - all of which it does extremely effectively. If you want to watch a film that genuinely affects the viewer, look no further - you have be warned!