Martyrs

 

Date Of Release: May 2008 (Cannes) and 3rd September 2008 (France)

Director: Pascal Laugler

Producer: Richard Grandpierre & Simon Trottier

Starring: Morjana Alaoui, Mylene Jampanoi

Running Time: 94 minutes

Distributor: Canal Horizons

Review

This film is one of the many of a wave of new French extremity movies. This was one of the first in that genre that I watched and it is the movie that got me hooked on it too. The film has a very simple premise, they are a secret society that are trying to make someone into a martyr so that they can learn the secrets of the afterlife. In some countries, this was a very controversial plotline. When you watch the film you can see why it may ruffle a few feathers!

What I love about this film most is that it doesn't fuck around. The plot is brilliant and the story moves at a fast pace. The 2 main actresses are brilliant in their roles also. The passion and emotion that they portray is certainly worthy of an Oscar in my opinion. The look and feel of the film is very gritty. You could not blame someone for almost confusing it with a supernatural horror in some places. There are no over dramatics and out of place special effects. The film is just perfect in every way.

I don't want to give too much about this film away, it really is something you have to see for yourself. My favourite scene is the ending where Mademoiselle asks Anna what it is that she sees. It is a subtle warning to many people out there that the answer is best not knowing until it is your time to find out. A lot of scenes in this are extremely brutal and you really feel for the main character. You go from anger to sadness to relief. That is what I call the sign of a good movie.

You can imagine how much it annoyed me however, when I found out that the film is in the process of being remade for American audiences. Some films should not be touched and I am beyond pissed off about it. To make matters worse, the producers of twilight are the ones that are over seeing the project. I shall be expecting sparkly martyrs then...

Rating: 10/10 - You should own this movie no martyr what!!

 

　

Inside

Date Of Release: 13^th June 2007

Director: Alexandre Bustillo & Julien Maury

Producer: Franck Ribiere, Rodolphe Guglielmi, Frederic Ovcaric, Teddy Percherancier

Starring: Alysson Paradis, Beatrice Dalle, Nathalie Roussel, Tahar Rahim

Running Time: 82 minutes

Distributor: La Fabrique De Films & BR Films

Review

Inside is a basic tale of home invasion and abduction. A pregnant woman is hounded by a mysterious stranger who is out to try and steal her baby. This film is considered one of the best in a new wave of extreme French horror movies, also being voted as one of the most unrelenting horror films ever made. The film is a debut for both of the directors.

I’m a massive fan of foreign horror but only recently have I started watching the French take on it. This is one of the first films that I watched and I was hooked on it ever since. It’s a very dark and twisted tale. What I love about it most is that this could potentially happen in real life and that is what makes it so chilling. I believe there was a tale in the news a couple of years ago with a similar story.

The film has a brilliant flow to it and the storyline is spot on. This film really has no flaws at all. The only thing people will probably moan about it “I have to read the subtitles”. Well, unless you can understand French then I suggest you get over yourselves. Suspense is the key to this film. Most of the film is set within the woman’s home which gives it that element of claustrophobia. Beatrice Dalle, who plays the woman trying to steal the baby, is a perfect villain. She sends shivers down your spine and plays a psychopath to a T without having to overact.

 

 





Considering that this is both the directors first film, the production value is on top form. The opening credit with the foetus is a clever throw into what the film soon becomes. The fight scenes feel very realistic and the dialogue is almost believable. I say this a lot but, the scene at the end is absolutely worth waiting for. It will be one of the most gruesome ones you will ever see but that’s what they are trying to show. Is is life and shit like this happens…..a lot.

If you have never experienced French horror before then I certainly advise that you watch this one. It is very much a must buy and one that will certainly stick with you for a long while to come. If you are pregnant by the way…beware out there…   

 

Rating: 9/10 – This is so good, you will go mad and end up INSIDE for it!!!