Rating: 
Summary: Not Good
Review: I didn't like this movie at all. That doesn't mean that you won't though. I don't know you or what you like. Maybe you like the kinds of movies I like and maybe not. So really it's all up to what you like and not what I like. But if you are a friend of mine you probably won't like it because I only pick friends who like the same movies as I do. So if you know me and are my friend then I would say you wouldn't like this movie. Or maybe you will which just shows you that I don't know you at all. I think we can still be friends though.
Rating: 
Summary: Well Made But Destined to Divide Audiences
Review: Going into "Irreversible" I had read several reviews, so I was preparing myself for "the scene" that caused so much outrage at Cannes and just about everywhere else the film was shown. The opening/final scene was very dizzying and distracting at first, but conveyed the chaos of the situation (which is the point, right?), and if you pay close attention, you'll come away with even more of a sinking feeling when the film is over. The tension remains very high leading right back to the rape, which has to be the most brutal and harrowing piece of film I've ever witnessed. How the actors involved got through it, I can't imagine. One key point to remember, folks: watch (if you are able) and you will see that she fights her attacker the whole way, with every ounce of strength she can muster. The only saving grace in all this is that, after this horrifying sequence, there is still another 40-45 minutes left in the film, all preceding the incident, and it thankfully gives you time to recover (somewhat). Still, once the movie ends, it will haunt you for days. I thought it was very well made and hugely affecting, but I could NEVER watch it again. Much like Lars Von Trier's "Dancer In The Dark", it is simply too upsetting.
Rating: 
Summary: You will feel pain.
Review: I understand Noe's philosophy and reasoning for making this film... other reviewers have covered this. Violence portrayed as reality rather than entertainment, etc. etc. Sure, I get it. But the fact remains that the filmaker(s) refuse(s) to allow there to be any hope or faith in humanity. The banality and beauty in the ending scene (the first chrologically) between the romantically linked characters illustrates NOTHING. Apparently, we are all predestined... which is a trite and infuriating belief system as far as I'm concerned. One does not need to BELIEVE in what a film SAYS in order to LIKE it, I realize... the message of this film is simply too childish for me.I believe that this film was important for some people to see... hell, I believe it was well made for the most part. However, being able to recommend it is a whole other story. It's simply too painful and stupid at base.
Rating:
Summary: This film will make you want to throw up!
Review: I have never felt ill after watching a movie until i watched this film. Between the horrrific violence of the rape scene and the head bashing in the gay S&M club, i actually felt violated for watching it. The film seemed more like a snuff film then anything else. There was no need to make it, and no need for us to watch it. I don't believe all films should be touchy feely feel good crap (though those films have there place), but this pushed the limit to an unimaginable point. If you buy this or rent it, be prepared to feel sick (if you have a conscience). Avoid this if you have a weak stomach at all.
Rating:
Summary: Scarred for life.
Review: Scarred for life is an understatement. This movie will cut into your conscience like a fine razor. Even days after the wound will burn, reminding you of what you saw. But make no mistake, this is incredible film-making. It pushes new boundaries and awakens us to the power of raw, human, reality.
Watch it.
Rating: 
Summary: Yet Another New Dimension...
Review: I've written a number of reviews praising this great film, but I've failed to mention on crucial aspect that continues to please and fascinate me; this is a very relaxing movie that soothes me, not disturbs me. The long silences, the understated, sometimes muted back ground music and the dialogue are all very moody and make this a film easy to watch repeatedly. A real work of art that grows deeper with each viewing.
Rating:
Summary: A Punishing, Brutal and Brilliant Film.
Review: Absolutely nothing can prepare you for this terrific, challenging film. Director Gaspar Noe' takes a bare bones storyline, improvised dialogue, a cast of well known French Actors and turns them into one the most beautifully violent, unsettling films ever made. Many have lamented his use of graphic violence (created with astounding CGI effects)and his prolonged take on rape as being excessive and sensationalized, but to my eyes, his portrayal is quite effective because rape is a horrible thing and has been glorified and glamorized for far too long. The spinning, dizzying, restless camera work is the visual equivalent of a man so enraged that he sees only red and is blinded by his contempt and hatred. While plot isn't much of a factor here, the little storyline there is exists solely to set up the startling, bloody images we are treated to. Monica Bellucci is stunning in her role as Alex (even with her head smashed and bloodied) and gets props just for taking such a brave chance as an actress, many Hollywood starlets wouldn't be nearly this fearless. "Irreversible" will never leave your memory once you've seen it. Film Of The Year.
Rating:
Summary: It is what it is - IF it's not for you, then leave it alone
Review: I bought this because Time magazine gave it a high rating. Now I honestly can't believe that I was able to buy it at Best Buy, or any large American retail store, for that matter. You certainly wouldn't find it at Wal-Mart. My stomach is still churning, and I believe the film's director would be very pleased to hear me say that; upsetting your stomach seems to be at least 75% of the film's intention, beginning as early as the presentation of the credits. Within the first minute of the film, the camera's movements will make you queasy, and the majority of the scenes that follow are just more of the same. But the brutality of the movie's two most shocking moments is unparalleled. It made me sick to my stomach and sick in my heart, with my jaw dropping to the floor. Monica Bellucci is an INCREDIBLE actress, and an amazing and courageous woman, but at the same time, the film's voyeurism feels so wrong; it almost seems wrong for anyone to have particpated in making such a harsh film. Yet the director seems almost gleeful while explaining all of the painstaking effort that went into the film, and the dvd box is covered with accolades from movie festivals all over the world. What does this say about our society? We are becoming numb, adn there is a new breed of entertainment on the horizon, geared towards total sensory overload. Let me put it this way: I could have lived my whole life without needing to experience this movie, but thanks to Time magazine, now I have to live with what I saw. If you like intense movie experiences, you won't be disappointed, and I DO, but it was still too much for me. My suggestion is to stay away, you'll be better off. Because I do believe horrors like the ones depicted really happen to good people, and that is what makes the film even more unbearable. If that was the message the film was reaching for, believe me, it's better for you if you just read it in this review. It will be much easier for you than going through this nightmarish film experience.
But if you REALLY DUG this film, may I also suggest: The Bad Lieutenant, Killing Zoe, and the rollercoaster ride that is Requiem for a Dream; just bear in mind that all of these are outdone by Irreversible, in my opinion. Is that good or bad? What's next, for God's sake? And is there an excuse for this kind of entertainment? Should it be accessible to all on the video shelf? Or maybe we should try to stop events like those depicted in the film from happening in real life instead of making movies about them.....The most haunting image in the film really is the pedestrian at the end of the tunnel, who has a chance to intervene before penetration even occurs, and instead sneaks away quietly, not wanting to get involved...
Rating:
Summary: WAY TOO EXTREME FOR YOUR TYPICAL AMERICAN MOVIE GO-ER.
Review: I admit when I watched this movie I was absolutley disgusted! It enraged me and made me feel violated. But then I went over this movie in my head for days and weeks... analyzing certain moments and effects... discussed it with others... tried to imagine alternatives... FOR WEEKS!!! and it dawned on me... THIS IS A PRETTY GOOD F---ING MOVIE! If this movie can move someone to the point of this much emotion it has done a remarkable job. JUST LOOK AT THE OUTRAGED RESPONES. This movie was intended to expose something that some people only hear about in storys. Its not intended to be erotic! Unfortunatley some might see it that way.
This is a terribly realistic movie! Rape is a serious matter! If you watch this movie be aware! THE WARNING OF THIS MOVIE'S CONTENT IS CLEARLEY STATED ON ITS COVER!
The special effects are astounding! THE EDITING OF THIS MOVIE WAS INTENTIONAL TO THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND. Remember the "Blair Witch Project"? This movie is supposed to be nausiating. It compliments the subject matter. Notice the minimal use of editing? Every scene is filmed in one edit. Its supposed to be raw and unsettling.
I admit, this isn't a movie that I would care to own or watch again... but I can't deny it's force and its amazing direction.
Rating:
Summary: Another one I don't get......
Review: I'm still not sure what to make of this movie. It could, on many levels, be considered a masterpiece because the images are quite simply stuck in my head. The movie will not leave you alone and will follow you everywhere you go after having seen it. I guess, this is one measure of a true masterpiece: something so moving you cannot and do not simply forget it after the credits roll. On the other hand, you could look at this movie as a gargantuan piece of [expletive deleted] that much like the Howard Stern show is shocking for the sake of being shocking. I had heard nothing about this movie and simply saw the "Two Thumbs Up" quote on the cover. So, how I sat through the first forty five minutes of this thing is an incredible act of intestinal fortitude on my part. I will give you a little bit of the plot because it will in no way prepare you for this movie: this is basically a rape / revenge movie told in reverse order much like Memento. Most of the revenge part takes place at the beginning of the film in a deep, dark, back alley, gay, S&M club aptly named "Rectum". Now here's the rub again. The hand held, poorly focused, poorly lit camera work combined with the strident, throbbing sound track gives the viewer the feeling they're in the "Rectum," so to speak. There is palpable feeling of anger, violence and disgust as you watch this movie. You can almost feel the squish of splooge under your feet as the protagonist runs through the club seeking his revenge on the rapist. This does have it's desired effect and is probably why some will consider this a masterpiece. On the other hand, if I were a cleaver, right wing, conservative looking to attack the left from the left. I would dress myself up as an "artiste", start speaking with a foreign accent, go out, and make this movie. Simply because all your self-righteous, nose in the air, liberal, intelligencia patrons will herald you as the "next great thing" all the while you're sending out the message that homosexuals are a dirty, nasty, underground group of deviants that need to be driven out of the dark holes where they congregate and beaten to death. The movie gets even more graphic as it moves backwards through time (which I didn't think could be possible). I somehow struggled through the entire thing, uncomfortable and uneasy with every passing frame. So, again the rub. The movie was supposed to make you uncomfortable and it did. It is an incredible piece of film making. However, I have more respect for porn movies because they are, at least, honest about themselves. You know what you're getting into when you buy one. This movie dresses itself up in all the ersatz trappings of "art" and is still just porn with violence. I personally think there are some things that simply don't need to be made into a movie and this is one of them.
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