The Wicker Man (Extended Edition)

Rating:
Summary: A Pagan Perspective
Review: The Wicker Man is a chilling horror film to many individuals who's view of religion is somewhat limited. To myself and my fellow pagans around my stomping grounds, this is possibly the most accurate portrayal of the Craft ever put to celluloid (aside, of course, from the last ten minutes...which in itself is anciently historically accurate, i.e. the ancient Druids.) It is a funny movie as well, to those who know how to view it right. I can't imagine any honest to goodness pagan having a problem with The Wicker Man...After all, a pagan without a sense of humor isn't much of a pagan. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and I hope that if and when it becomes available through Amazon that you leap at the opportunity to buy it. And as has been mentioned in the reviews, it shrewdly forces you to think about where exactly you get your own morality, and if morality is indeed universal. It's fun, with some good music and some good points. The ending might be off when you look at modern paganism, but up until then, it is dead on.

Rating:
Summary: A classic
Review: This is simply a classic movie. The end of the movie is chilling and brilliant. Not for the mainstream moviegoer but those that like something different.

Rating:
Summary: Dreamlike Classic!
Review: Anthony Shaffer's The Wicker Man has be one of the most unusual and entertaining horror films ever made. Set on The Scottish Island of Summerisle, a police officer sets to solve the diappearance of a young girl...what follows is a bizzare escapade of events that sets you in a dreamlike world. Perhaps the only Horror/Musical made...the songs are actually quite beautiful..and sexy Britt Eckland sizzles! Superb acting, cinematography, direction, and a brilliant script make this a favorite! Too bad the longer version is so hard to find...it's even better! A MUST SEE!

Rating:
Summary: A film that makes you think - How are you supposed to feel?
Review: This is a rather unusual film, set in the eerie, yet beautiful midsts of a remote Scottish island. The storyline is captivating and the ending is somewhat shocking although not unexpected. I feel that to some people this may give rise to ignorant prejudices against 'alternative' religions, especially Wiccans and other pagan groupings, but however horrific and seemingly unjust the ending is, the story is based on the fact that in ancient times many cultures did employ a human sacrifice to appease the gods and they believed that it worked. The basic question that the film is asking is; "Is morality a Judeo-Christian invention, or does it exist above and beyond religion?". Overall a well made film that makes you think. And the folky, melancholic music is wonderful.

Rating:
Summary: My Wednesday night in with "The Wicker Man"
Review: I thought this was one of the best films i have ever watched. I especially liked Britt Ekland and her sexy dancing. Brilliant, i can't wait till next week's episode. Brilliant.

Rating:
Summary: One of the scariest movies I've ever seen...
Review: The first time I couldn't turn out the lights after watching a horror movie was when I saw "Psycho" for the first time in Aunt Val's flat in London - slept in the day room with all the lights on. This film was the second time, and I wasn't interested at all at first. It's the final sequence that gets you - it's not at all your typical terror tale, with maniacs running around with axes or strange creatures from beyond the grave/the Black Lagoon/the director's last hangover or whatever the latest craze is. This movie sneaks up on you, posing as a simple little suspense tale about a policeman doggedly doing his duty, aware but oblivious to the stark, raving weirdness that surrounds him. But that's how it sucks you in, playing on our tendency toward "yes it's strange, but it won't hurt you" when it comes to anything other worldly. Agatha Christie once said the scariest monsters were the little old grannies with their poisoned knitting needles - this movie will not only make you believe that, it will have you wondering, even just a little, about just how charming some of your friends' idosyncrasies really are. I dare you to watch it all the way through the end.

Rating:
Summary: I've never seen the 87 minute version
Review: So I guess I'm lucky. The 103 or whatever minute version I've seen 4 times. It's an interesting film from start to finish, but I can understand why some people might not like it. If your idea of a brilliant film is "Men In Black" then you should skip this one altogether. However, if you like a strangely fascinating suspense film with religious themes, then rent it (the 103+ minute one). I don't think it's really anti-Christain as some have said, and it's not really pro-Pagan either, although there is due respect to the religion. It's really more of a suspense film about people's beliefs. It's also very erotic at some points. "Gentle Johnny" is an excellent song, and you can find the soundtrack somewhere... but I don't know what's on it.

Rating:
Summary: On my Top 5 list
Review: Just one of the best movies ever made...and it gets better with repeat viewing, as great movies do. This is one of the most beloved films in the Pagan community but all sentient beings can enjoy it: gorgeous to look at, strangely fetching tunes (the first Pagan musical!?), amazing dialogue and an ending you may find deeply disturbing no matter what your faith or your sympathies...so what's not to love? ;-) It makes you think, too, and that's never a bad thing. So settle in Gently, Johnny...enjoy the ride.

Rating:
Summary: One of my all time favorite movies
Review: Not really a horror film, although that is where you will find it listed in any video stores that carry it. The highly edited version does not make sense but if you can find the long version (about 103-111 minutes) it is well worth the search. The dialogs between Woodward and Lee are great.

Rating:
Summary: "A British chiller masterpiece"
Review: This is without doubt a superb piece of filmaking that sees my favourite actor the great Christopher Lee in one of his best roles and his favourite role as the pagan Lord Summerisle. Edward Woodward is superb as the upright Christian copper sent to the remote Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the strange dissapearance of a young girl!! A task not helped by the fact that most of the islanders refuse to admit she even excisted including the girls own mother. Woodward plays Sergeant Neil Howie who soon discovers an island rife with pagan rituals and sacrifice instigated by Lee as the Lord of the island. But as mayday arrives Howie finds himself stranded on the island and the terrible truth becomes apparent as he discovers he is their sacrifice. He is then burned alive in a huge "wicker man" as Lord summerisle and the islanders dance and sing below. This is a cult classic with songs and rhymes by Paul Giovanni that are very seventies in sound but you cant help but like them! Britt ekland and Ingrid Pitt provide the nudity! This is a unique film in every way. Nothing like this has ever been made since if you like your horror films different then this is for you.