Martyrs (possible Spoilers)

[whitezombie]

OK, my first review, so be gentle.

I'd read a little of this film before watching, and had the impression that it was one of the most shocking and nerve-jarring experiences on film. More so even that such films as Irreversible (which I still have yet to see), and Haute Tension (Switchblade Romance).
Usually, I'd have avoided it for that reason, but thought I'd give it a go.

Overall, I was slightly disappointed, to an extent, that it didn't quite live up to its notoriety.
Whilst it was shocking and harrowing, on an emotional level, I guess I was expecting it to be more visceral and gory. In fairness, the discovery of the girl in the cellar was very distressing!
I think, overall, the film held together quite well, and unlike some reviews I've read, I actually thought the last half of the film was very engaging. The acts of the 'cult' almost seemed noble in some way, despite how despicable they were, as though they were carrying out their actions for some greater good, in an effort to discover the next level of the human soul.
Having said that, no doubt the Nazis thought this of themselves when carrying out human vivisection.
Nevertheless, it posed some interesting questions, I thought.

I did, however, feel there were some glaring problems.

Special FX

Whilst I appreciate the budget wasn't massive, I just found some of the FX to be unrealistic. e.g. When Lucie has her back slashed with the straight razor by her 'demon', they are blatantly deep gashes, as shown when she has her shirt removed and is stitched up. However, after being slashed, when her shirt is still on, and torn, there are apparently no wounds visible. Also, there is a distinct lack of blood in this scene, and also in the scene where she slashes her arms and her neck.

Additionally, when the 'wife' has her had bashed in with the hammer, given the ferocity of the attack by Lucie, I would expect there to be severe damage to the victim. Yet when the body is taken outside later by the 'men', her face and head seem intact but for some blood and bruising.

Story

After Anna discovers the girl in the basement, for God's sake why does she not call the police!!!! It's not like she can be blamed for her part in the killings, when A) she turned up after the event and B) Lucie was justified in her actions. Major plot hole in my opinion!

I must also say that I was quite traumatised when the family were first introduced as a normal group of individuals. The thought of them being hurt really bothered me. Little did I know they deserved it!


Overall - 7/10

[Jeffbiscuits]

Wow, Zombie. That's the worst review that any of the regulars here have gave Martyrs and it's still a good review.
Personally, I didn't really notice how the effects were done at all. I just loved how I was so completely drawn in to the suffering the girl endures and then realising towards the end(as she does) that there will be no salvation for her and her death will be her only way out. I even ended up feeling kind of conflicted at the very end in wishing a quick death for her and also wanting it to last just a little longer as this was the first time a film had really affected me so much.

[morris]

Originally Posted by Jeffbiscuits

... and also wanting it to last just a little longer ....

You heartless bastard


*struck from the xmas card list*

[Jeffbiscuits]

Originally Posted by morris

You heartless bastard

Hey, we're all sadists at heart. No, I meant that I thought it was a good thing that a film could really provoke me emotionally like that and if a film can initiate a genuine emotional reaction even in a desensitised, heartless bastard like myself then it really must be doing something right. Plus if the film was full of children falling over and hurting themselves, I think you would watch it all day, Cat. Like your bear costume btw. Early Christmas present?

[morris]

I knew what you meant, biscuits. Just couldn't resist misquoting you. correct, we are all sadists at heart. That's why I like watching Jackass, if I'm in the mood. It's fun to watch them grievously injure themselves and end up in a world of pain because: it's not me.

Originally Posted by Jeffbiscuits

Plus if the film was full of children falling over and hurting themselves, I think you would watch it all day, Cat.

Guilty as charged. My only defence being that Jonesy would enjoy such a film even more than myself.
This is my bunny hoodie. I found it over at the old forum and put it on because I was cold. Also it expresses my face perfectly at this time of year. Grinchy

[fortunesfool]

I loved this...um, kinda.

I love the fact that I thought it was finished after the nerve-jarring early scenes in the house.

Then I looked at the clock. Then the hammer falls behind the thing and she discovers the stair case. And then all bets were off.

I'm very rarely surprised by a movie these days but Martyrs knocked my socks off.