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The Ninth Gate

The Ninth Gate

List Price: $14.98
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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: my opinion
Review: This movie has it's 1.success, 2.failure and 3.elements i don't understand very well. 3: those elder people. This film reminds me they are a mystery to me. And about devil or Satan, i am far from knowing them so i don't know if i've ignored something in this movie. 2: How did Dean Corso's journey let him fall in...the hell(?)? i don't think it has been answered very well. If we want to let someone fall down the hell(a so deep and dark place) we have to let him do really bad things. Or don't let him do simple good things. I think we need more stronger evidence here. I guess the director tried to say someone never did things against the law and he could survive cleverly and no one(a good friend) reminded him to go back anyway he left God and was attracted by the world of evil gradually, day by day and suddenly, it is too late to do anything to go back. I think this movie needs more key details to describe this process. And this man should be obvious cleverer than all other people he's met. Yes Dean Corso is clever in this film but maybe he can be cleverer in some aspects. He must be able to tell good and evil. But because nothing can remind him to admire the good feeling when he closes good things so he always "forgets" them. The time your conscience should be awoken but it hasn't and the time you shouldn't be tempted but you have . 1: This movie has done some good work. Sometimes it looks like some of my dreams...not really looks like them but the atmosphere. I think it means it has touched our subconscious, they desire beautiful things no matter they exist in a good or evil world. Pure evil doesn't know what good is so it hurts you and takes things from you not for hating you but for it's nature. That's what the woman called "green eyes" has done to Dean. And when the story goes to the end we heard the boy's voice again. In a world we can recognize nothing even time and space, everything belongs to devil, maybe it's the only rule there. So you are actually completely alone there...only an empty soul would choose to go there...the happy innocent beautiful young boy's voice means nothing but a part of evil...we all ever experienced this don't we? ...Maybe not, but i have, even though they were very short and have passed away it's horrible that's why this movie has brought me horror. If it can make me laugh and say oh it's a funny movie these people are so funny but get afraid in the end to me it's a successful movie.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Despite the hype, a failure
Review: This film had a simple plot that didn't seem to make time to explain virtually anything. For instance, a girl follows around and helps out the main character for the entire movie and they never make clear who she is or what she's trying to do. At the very end of the movie, the main charcter and this woman have sex outside a burning castle for no reason that myself, nor my peers could find. For me, the movie did not make a lot of sense and I considered it a waste of my time.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Criminally underrated
Review: From the day The Ninth Gate was released theatrically, it was a criminally underrated film that was bashed by critics and ignored at the box office. However, what lies in The Ninth Gate is a creepy, atmospheric suspense/horror film that is more than worth a watch. Johnny Depp stars as a rare book authenticator named Dean Corso, who becomes employed by a demonologist played by Frank Langella to authenticate a rare book that, according to legend, was written by the devil. Corso ends up going across Europe when he uncovers a vast conspiracy to find the book, and Depp is at his most cynical in his role. If it wasn't for Depp than The Ninth Gate would lose most of it's charm; one of the reasons I like Depp so much as an actor is the eclectic roles he takes in some of the daring films he has done. Films which he powered like Edward Scissorhands, Nick of Time, Sleepy Hollow, and Dead Man are all films that most actors wouldn't dare take a role in, but Depp has always been a daring actor, and The Ninth Gate belongs in that category. Director Roman Polanski uses some great camera work and the creeped out atmosphere adds to the film, along with the fact that the atmosphere makes you feel like you never know what is lurking around the corner or is just outside the frame of the camera, all of which adds to the suspense making The Ninth Gate a great thriller. All in all, if your a fan of Depp or horror/suspense films in general than you should definitely check out this film.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Indelible Atmosphere
Review: This is a more-or-less faithful cinematic version of "The Club Dumas" by Arturo Perez-Reverte, an astonishingly clever novel. Johnny Depp is pitch perfect as Dean Corso, an astute antiquarian book dealer. The supporting performances are fine as well. What we loved most though...what has drawn us to this film for a number of viewings...is the fabulously creepy and decadent atmosphere and the insider's view of the rare books market. The end is a bit over-the-top, but we forgave that because of the many rewards of the rich characterizations, the splendid book scenes, and the creepy, convoluted story with its many puzzles and surprises.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Thinking Man's Movie
Review: This movie requires a bit of thought. I myself collect rare volumes on the occult so it made more sense to me. One must appreciate the inticate puzzle involved in opening the nine gates and acheiving godlike stature. I found it to be a satisfying mystery that begged to be solved. You could truly understand everyone's obsession with obtaining this book. Equally understanible is Frank Langella's Borris Balkan and his final fatal decision to show his supposed new found powers. One must accept that our hero here, played to perfection by the ever adaptable Johnny Depp, is not perfect. He has been tempted and ultimately succumbed to the lure of unlimited power. The ending was difficult to grasp for a lot of viewers, but it is really simple. Corso and his guardian angel unlocked the ninth gate. This is not your typical slasher movie. If you want a good mystery that you can sink your teeth into, sit back and enjoy!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Not for the dull witted.....
Review: First off, this movie isn't for everyone. People who love a good story and development of atmosphere and character will enjoy this movie, while those that expect explosions and special effects will be greatly disappointed. You really have to be a patient viewer to truly love this film like I do. After multiple viewings you discover nuances and hidden meanings and symbolism that are everywhere throughout the film. Many get pissed about the ending, as I did upon first viewing, but the second time I watched it, I understood more of the story and it's hidden meanings, and then the ending became clear to me and I knew why Polanski ended the movie like he did. Sometimes less is more.

Many don't like the pacing of the movie, for Polanski uses many developing shots and slow pans and dollies, but this is effective in creating a certain uneasiness and atmosphere.

Polanski is much like Kubrik in his attention to detail and buildup of atmosphere and character, and not all viewers are accustomed to this style or care for it. It all comes down to personal preference I suppose.

The DVD is loaded with extras including commentary by Polanski which was very insightful. Highly recommended. If you like the movie also check out the book "The Club Dumas" by Arturo Perez-Reverte, it is much more complex and involving than the movie, a great book.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Had me on the edge of the seat from start to finish!
Review: Skip this review if you don't want to know anything about the end of this movie, suffice to say I loved the whole thing, including the end! WHich makes me want to ask "What is wrong with people these days!?!?!". Ok, so there's no blood soaked ending, no huge sfx demons errupting out of the ground, no end of the world, but lets face it, this isn't buffy the vampire slayer we're watching. This is a subtle, beatuifully underplayed masterpiece, one that, thankfully, doesn't sell out to shlock at the last minute. Depp's character, Corso, walks purposefully towards a future we can only guess at. His intention is clear, but the detail his ultimate fate is left to our worst imaginings. Superb.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Outstanding Masterpiece, but not for everybody
Review: This movie was beautifully done and is very compelling. Like mentioned before, if you are looking for a change from all of the non stop action and loudness that comes with them, this would probably be a good movie to watch.

The story is an interesting one, a type of story not often done in many Hollywood movies. I won't go into details, as you can read the review of it on the product page.

The movie itself is dark if anything. There is always that lingering fear and tenseness throughout. The characters are portrayed pretty good. There are always those people who have said that Depp is "the most selfish person around", and you really won't like him that well. Well, you can make your own opinions on that. It can be argued on various levels.

If you are looking for a change in movies, this would be nice to watch. But I think for the average person, one would have to be in the mood to watch this, as there is little action and the story is kind of deep. But overall, the movie has been superbly made.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Maybe others just don't get it.......
Review: After reading the other reviews of this movie, I just can't believe that these people saw the same movie. I found this movie to be fantastic and quite well thought out. I liked it so much that I immediately went out and bought the book, which I found to be even better. I actually bought several copies of the book and movie to give as gifts. I was truly shocked to read a negative critique of Emmanuel Seigner's acting. She was fantastic. I've not seen many people that can convey so much without speaking hardly a word. I think to the role of the devil (or whatever incarnate she really was) is hugely challenging, compounded by the fact that this role of the evil one, was supposed to be one that we could fall in love with. She did a marvelous job. See the movie, then read the book.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: a complete piece of... waste.
Review: I watched this movie when it first came out in the rentals. Now the book was pretty boring and plain but I thought that maybe the movie might make more sense. Well, I was wrong. The movie, if indeed it was a movie, was awful. The main actor portrayed a disgusting waste of life and the main actress portrayed a ...demon [naughty girl]. Overall, the movie made no sense and the film was a complete waste of screen time. Frightening enough, some people that I know stated that they understood it and felt like they could relate to the movie. Do not buy this movie and please do not rent.


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