Rating: 
Summary: Beauty and terror: the two faces of nature
Review: A devout Christian policeman is investigating the whereabouts of a missing girl in an isolated, pagan Scottish community. He soon finds himself entangled in a web of strange rituals which seem to be the exordium of some horrible, unimaginable deed. Unable to decode the hidden meanings of the rituals of a cult that is foreign and, indeed, hostile to him, he continues his search in the hope that he will find the missing girl. His perseverance ultimately affords him an answer to all his (and our) questions; but there is a price to pay.
More than a feast of gore this film is a fascinating examination of the clash of two systems of beliefs. The policeman is the bringer of law and order (enforcing indirectly Christian priorities and values). The island community has opted instead for a pagan lifestyle reflecting the beauty and brutality of Nature. Eventually both sides appeal rigidly to their respective gods for mercy (the island community for a good crop, the policeman for help). Both sides gesticulate emptily, in a Universe that doesn't care, the hidden meanings of their words and acts only understood to those who share similar beliefs. The gods remain silent and mercy is not to be found.
A beautiful film, somewhat permeated by hippy ideals (but even that being to its advantage), with a climax that leaves you gasping for breath. Performances are uniformly excellent but Edward Woodward deserves special mention for his riveting performance as the puritan, austere but well-meaning policeman. Robin Hardy's direction is evocative, enigmatic, shocking.
Rating: 
Summary: A movie unlike any other.
Review: This movie has often been called the "Citizen Kane" of horror films. But I wouldn't describe it as a horror film. It is like an Irish musical, mysterious whodunit, pagan drama and a suspense-filled, erotic allegory of the age-old srtuggle between Paganism and Christianity. Coming from a Christian's perspective, I found it to be an allegory of Paganism versus Christianity without taking either side. Although the Christian was a total (expletive of your choice here), I never found myself wanting to abandon my beliefs and become a pagan. This movie has some incredible moments, like Britt Ekland's song and the "Landlord Daughter" number. The ending is almost like watching Unbreakable or The Sixth Sense where there's that moment you finally realize it all. There is some nudity, brief sexuality and mild language if any. If you've never seen it, you must.
Rating: 
Summary: OK, but ultimately disappointing
Review: This is a typical late 60s/early 70s "horror" film pitting Christianity against paganism. It has some beautiful cinematography, some ok acting, and some of the most ludicrous music in a horror film save for Last House on The Left. In fact, some of the music could easily have fit right into Finian's Rainbow. The ending is affective but predictable, showing the only true horror being man's ability for brutality. The characters are one-dimensional at best, and neither sinister or sympathetic in any way.
Rating:
Summary: Wicker Man is a bit of a puzzler.
Review: There is a well known addage in movies that we all get what we have coming to us. The same can be said of this movie, whether in regards to the protagonist or the viewer his or herself. To begin with, I saw a version of the Wicker Man on video years ago and wouldn't have even given it a star for a rating. The story was chopped up so badly that I felt like the editor had gone to work on me instead. The limited edition presents the theatrical release and the 'European version' of the film. A big note of thanks should go to Anchor Bay for seeing that the story line makes better sense this time-and this goes for both versions.
To get down to it, this is a movie about sex, or the fertility rites of a certain island just west of Britain in the springtime. Edward Woodward does a fine job as a police inspector duty-tied to both his job and his religion. Everyone else, including Christopher Lee seems superflous, however. Oddly enough, this almost seems to work for the movie, which is in effect about unresolved sex and red herrings. Considering the overt sexuality and eroticism of the movie, I found the ending to be a little disturbing. The movie itself can be said to be a metaphor about the dangers of falling down the wrong rabbit hole after you have tried long and hard enough to do so.
Voyeurs be warned, there is no actual love making going on on screen. Yet, this is a very sexy and erotic movie, which I guess serves to make the ending more disturbing. Visually, this film is first class. Shot on location, the outside shots are gorgeous.
Wicker Man is not what you would call the most nailbiting of horror movies. The answer of whether our protagonist gets the ending suited to him will probably be found by asking the question of whether you deserved to sit and watch this film for its eighty some odd minutes. There are many better movies out there that deserved a limited edition release more than this one. The film that comes most to mind is "Vampire Circus", a movie that has consistently been rated highly by critics, and that has been conspicuously left unreleased by Anchor Bay. Hopefully they will come around and give THAT film the release it receives.
Rating:
Summary: Extremely disappointed that this is the shortened version...
Review: Let me begin by saying The Wicker Man is one of my favorite movies...
A friend gave me this DVD and I was excited to see "The Wicker Man Enigma," the 32 minute "making of the movie" included here. HOWEVER I was blown away that the 88 minute "American release" version was featured on the rest of the DVD! Particularly after "The Wicker Man Enigma" went on about how the footage removed took so much away from the final film. I simply can't believe that no attempt was made by the producers of this DVD to use the longer version.
I have the 101 minute version on video and it is vastly superior. The movie makes much less sense in the 88 min copy. Chopped out bits include more background on Sergeant Howie (his fiancee, feelings about sex and deep religious convictions), how he received the letter about Rowan, not to mention other vital parts such as a scene with Lord Summerisle presenting a young man as a sexual offering to Willow and others. Also unfortunately abbreviated are many of the songs such as Willow's dance, Lord Summerisle and Miss Rose's song, etc. Some scenes are switched around to "make more sense" here, presumably after the film was butchered.
To anyone who has only seen the 88 minute version, I HIGHLY recommend trying to get a copy of the long version, it is like a completely different film. This is worthwhile only for "The Wicker Man Enigma."
Rating:
Summary: ......self sacrifice........[and nasty habits]....
Review: Oh Viewer, DO beware of those 'quaint' little country villages, and those odd rare rustic customs....and whatever you do - don't look too closely, and turn down that sweet Invitation to Tea, and entertainment......This nice little package of a movie package is quite a neat little treat [2 disc], of this somewhat slightly obscure movie. More of an 'investigation' by a 'purist shall we say?'Law Officer, who tends to dig slightly too deep into those rural lanes, cottages, graveyards and hearths ...... Great performances from Edward Woodward as Our Pure Enforcer, and naturally Christopher Lee, and the rest of the 'gang'. Close cousins to "Burn Witch Burn", the rarely seen "Eye of the Devil", and, not forgetting, "Harvest Home". But don't probe too deeply about 'missing' individuals and Spring Rites or you might find yourself out of a frying pan and straight in to the........!
Rating:
Summary: Now this is a culture clash!
Review: This is a movie that triggers rather firm reactions--you either love it or you think its corny. I think its one of coolest and most engrossing movies ever made. I did not see the ending coming, and found it to be among the most disturbing films I had ever seen. Now, there are parts that I suppose seem a little silly to some--Christopher Lee singing a ballad to a snail comes to mind--but I frankly enjoyed those moments. You just need to listen to the words. There happens to be a lot there. The movie, at its heart, portrays well how people can be absolutely certain about very different religious "truths," and that religion and the impulse to worship can be treacherous stuff. For the lead character, it poses the question, "Do you really have the courage of your convictions?" For the rest--we'll they'll just have to wait and see whether the gods will be good to them. After all, there's always another year and another ... Anyway, you ought to watch it, if for no other reason than to see a young Britt Eklund prance naked in a primitive erotic dance.
Rating: 
Summary: Doesn't live up to its reputation
Review: Watched it once, and I doubt I will again even though I am a big fan of Christopher Lee movies. He and the oblivious protagonist were about the only saving graces to the movie unless you have a natural curiosity about pagan religions. Lee potrayed the enigmatic antagonist well all considered, and the protrayal of the protagonist as a down-to-business, hard nosed, skeptical police officer at least was done convincingly and made sense in the context of the story. Both he and I were confused right up till the end just as to who the "fool" was. I assume that this particular pagan religion was potrayed accurately though I am no expert on such things. Despite a clever plot twist for the ending, I found this movie unsatisfactory and disappointing though I find it hard to articulate precisely why. There was too much superfluous singing and dancing in this movie that really seemed to contribute nothing to the plot logic or the momentum of the story. It was fairly simple to anticipate the reactions of many of the characters. All of the characters seemed flat/two dimentional, and the guy we're supposed to like/be rooting for, you know, the protagonist? I really couldn't have cared less about him and his fate. If anyone, I liked the villain, played by Lee, the most, but his character never really developed enough to form any significant attachment to him. Yes, I know this movie has a huge following, and statistically you may be better off following the majority on this one. But I'll probably be selling my copy cheap. I may have been the fool too for purchasing this movie, but unlike the protagonist my penalty is only financial.
Rating:
Summary: Pornography fans of the truly BAD AWFUL teleplay
Review: Clearly on par with such dismal rejects as "Devil's Rain" and "Horror Express," I feel like I should get punitive damages for enduring this cinematographic eyesore from start to finish. Thinking of buying this one or is an overly "artsy fartsy" overly "educated" movie "expert" friend of yours planning on inflicting this one on you? For God's sake: Just say NO! It's not worth it! Go spend time with an enemy instead. There was WAY too much superfluous singing and dancing in this movie that contributed nothing to the plot logic or the momentum of the story at all EVER. It was far too simple to anticipate the reactions of the boring one dimentional characters, and the guy we're supposed to like/be rooting for, you know, the protagonist? I really couldn't have cared less about him and his fate. As far as I'm concerned ALL the characters could have burst into flames, and it would have been much more satisfying ending.
Rating:
Summary: A bad harvest needs revenge
Review: "the Wicker Man' is a delightful twist for horror afficianados.
A constable gets an anonymous letter about a missing female child on local island. The island is known for its bounty of vegetation. He is a pious man; his underlings joke about his virginity.
He sets off in his plane to investigate. The residents give him a hard time; they tease him and lie about the child he is looking for.
As he investigates, he notices with revulsion blatant sexual displays, such as anantomical shaped pastries, trees cut to resemble penises and so on.
He finds mysterious information about the missing child. So he decides to overnight at the local inn. When the landlord's daughter emerges (Britt Eckland)a terrific bawdy song is sung by all- except our dour fellow. She enjoys the tune, but our pious investigator, who is not yet aware he is being led about by his nose, sure does. Disgusted to his core, he goes for a walk, only to find nearly the entire town fornicating in the local cemetery. As he tries to sleep, Britt, dances against the thin wall of the inn to disturb him. She is naked, hot and it is one darn erotic dance. Virgin man is in agony; he tries to ignore what he hears and tries even harder not abuse himself.
The next day is May Day. Everything on display is sexual. Virgin guy meets with the Lord of the Island, Summerall (Christopher Lee in one of his best roles). He refuses to answer any questions, but implies to the constable a human sacrifice will be held on May Day so the fall fruit harvest will be bountiful again. The lord takes pleasure in teasing a man who is saving himslf for marriage; he shows him fertility dances of naked women and anything else that will shock the socks off pious boy.
Mr. Pious is determined to stop the sacrifice. The island celebrates the first of May the old fashion way. Costumes, dances, sword games and finally a bonfire at the beach. The investigator, blood boiling, manages to get in costume and go along with the festivities.
Little does he know who the real sacrifice is going to be; the wicker man awaits its perfect victim. Although this film is terribly 1970s, it is simply grand. it is what a horror movie once was, before everyone started slashing each other at lonely camping grounds in nasty masks. The clash of religion is interesting, because both make some sense.
Loving film means owning 'The Wicker Man'.
Try it- it's one heck of a movie.
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