Rating: Summary: Questions our underlying values Review: This is surely one of the most interesting films to come out of Great Britain. It is very difficult to describe the plot without taking away something of the central interest. Suffice it to say that it is a most original idea, and one that will appeal to people who are interested in spirituality, as well as those with an eye for history. The film raises more questions than it probably answers, but that is, in my opinion, the point of good cinema. In so doing, it tackles a very difficult subject, that of religion, and does so in a most original way.Edward Woodward is a very fine actor and part of the effect of the film must be credited to his sterling performance as the police officer who has sufficient imagination at the end, to fall into the trap which is set. The film also deals with what I would call the question of destiny: the final act is somehow predestined and all that has gone before is but a necessary prelude to it. In a sense, the story unfolds in a pantomime-like manner, with the music helping us to understand each scene in its own way. The musical score lends itself very well to creating the atmosphere, which is at once old-fashioned and eccentric. Beyond the immediacy of the action itself, there is the added bonus of the setting, an island off the coast of Scotland (I'm not sure which one it is, although I think I once heard it was Fair Isle). So the scenery is at times very lovely, and the cultural setting is of interest in itself, as long as one can understand the accents of all the characters assembled at the pub. All in all, this is one of my favourite films and I highly recommend it.
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.
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