The Elephant Man

Plot: A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man who is mistreated while scraping a living as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous facade, there is revealed a person of intelligence and sensitivity.

First time I heard about this movie was 6-7 years ago. I was in high scool, and we where talking in the classroom about some movies. So one of my friends mentioned the elephant man. I was like WTF is the elephant man? So he started to explain. OFC I wasn't really interested in the movie, but I looked it up on IMDb, and was shocked that it got a 8+ score.

So I rented it. Man was I impressed by this movie. I was a little skeptic at the beginning, but as the movie played on, it left me with an open mouth.

People can be very brutal, just like animals. But they are worse. because people can think and reconsider before they do something but animals can't (they kill for food, humans kill because of greed).

It's the story of a man, who was borned with a deformed body. John Merrick was his name. And like all deformed people, he was used in the Freak Show (at a circus). His owner brutally beats him, and John gets to the hospital, where a kind doctor cares for him, and tries to be friend with him.

At first, the doctor is using him for his medical studies, and thinks (and he really hopes) that John Merrick is an idiot, a vegetable. But soon he discovers that behind the horribly deformed body, there is an intelligent and sensible man.

The movie looks a little boring untill John starts to talk, but after that it becomes interesting.

And the most terrbile thing is, this is a true story. John Merrick really existed, and was called the "elephant man" because of his mutation (and in this case mutation is not cool, so don't think X-men).

The tragic story of a 21 year old boy, who is called an elephant man... Who can never feel true love, and will always be considered a freak..

Ofcourse this movie is not for people who expect action and shooting + explosions, but for people who can imagine what is it like to be in the body of the "elephant man". And if you have that power, that imagionation, then you will enjoy this movie as much as I did.

It's a movie from 1980, so it has flaws, but it's a great movie, and really touches you. Proves that people without laws would be animals. Still it won 8 oscars, and another 20 nominations.

My Rating: 8/10

Pan's Labyrinth (El laberinto del fauno - Spanish title)

Plot: In the fascist Spain of 1944, the bookish young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world.

Like I said it before, Guillermo del Toro is obsessed with dark fairy tale creatures.

This movie is no exception, it is another dark fairy tale. But this one is a real masterpiece when it comes to dark fairy tales. Brutal and hearth touching movie, with beautiful acting and scenery. Directing is also very good.

The year is 1944, spanish civil war rages.. It all starts with a pregnant woman and her daughter moving away from the city, to an isolated house in the woods. The mother had to marry an army Captain out of interest - her husband died, and she had to marry because the captain could offer her safety and money. The young daughter (Ofelia) hates his new "father"..

One day she enters a labyrinth, and meets and old faun, and he tells her she is a princess, and must prove her royalty by performing 3 tasks, each harder than the one before.

A dark masterpiece... that is definetly not for children (there are some really brutal parts in the movie).

There is a huge contrast between the good Ofelia and the brutal captain Vidal. But somehow I understand the captain, I undestand that he must be bad and brutal, because his father was a great leader, and he must live up to his name..

Young Ofelia (12yo) carries the whole movie on her shoulders, and she really manages, and acts like a pro.

Everything is in perfect harmony... the acting, the landscape, the effects, and the music. It's nothing like Narnia, IMO it's way better (and Narnia was for kids... this is not for kids, but a fairy tale for adults).

So give this movie a try. It's a great movie, I really loved it, and I highly recommend it.

I rate this 9/10.

Don't be afraid of the Dark

Plot: A young girl sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own.

Again another movie I was looking forward to. Yet it didn't impress me.

Guillermo del Toro also wrote and made Pan's Labyrinth, and that really was something (but in this production - Don't be afraid of the dark - he was only the writer)! Will do a review about it tomorrow, because that movie is worth watching.

Now back to "Don't be afraid of the Dark"

The story goes like this: a little girl is passed from her mother to her dad. The father is working on restoring an old house with his new girlfriend. Ofc there are some trouble at the beginning, the girl (Sally) has problems with her dad's girlfriend (she doesn't like her, etc.). After they discover a hidden basement, the story starts to spice up a bit, as Sally is hearing voices from the old basement's fireplace. Soon some rat sized gollum-like creatures are running through the house, and are after Sally. They are whispering that they want to be friends, and want to play, so she is excited about that. But soon it turns out that those things want more from her... They are "fallen" tooth fairies.

Sally tries to warn everyone when she finds out that those creatures want to destroy her family and take her away. But noone believes her...

Guillermo del Toro seems to be fascinated by creatures of fairy tales, but he gives them a dark twist.

This movie is labeled as Horror, but it's not scary at all. It's rather disturbing if you can imagine what the caracters are going through. Like I said, this is a dark fairy tale (just like Pan's Labyrinth).

Final words: average movie from a good/great writer, with mediocre directing. But it's enjoyable.

It still is way better than any other crap Hollywood is making today.

So give it a shot. Maybe you will like it.

I rate this 6/10.

Haute Tension (High Tension)

Plot: Two college friends, Marie and Alexa, encounter loads of trouble while on vacation at Alexa's parents’ country home when a mysterious killer invades their quiet getaway.

Another great french horror movie is Haute Tension. Brutal, bloody and suspenseful with a good story that will mess with your head.

This movie was released in 2003, so I was pretty young when I saw it (16 yo because I think I saw it in 2004) and had no experience with “real” horror movies, so I was affected by this movie. I saw the original french uncut version. It is gruesome and shocking. So the two girls travel to a farmhouse to study for some exams. That same night the doorbell rings and the action begins with 100% violence level and will continue untill the end credits.

If you liked Texas chainsaw massacre you will like this too. If you watch this movie you will raise your horror standards to a new level. This movie delivers exactly what the title promises: high tension. You will feel the adrenaline rush in your body while you watch this. So don’t miss out on this great horror flick. It’s not perfect, but it’s good/very good oldschool horror movie with no mercy.

"..Hearts will bleed.."

Timecrimes (Spanish - Cronocrimenes)

Plot: A man accidentally gets into a time machine and travels back in time nearly an hour. Finding himself will be the first of a series of disasters of unforeseeable consequences.
Another rare gem in the world of movies is Timecrimes (2007). I would hate to give away any detail about this movie, the title and plot already sais it all.
The only thing you need to know that it is an amazing thriller movie, that will f**k your mind up. It's not a SF movie with laser guns and robots, with Skynet taking over the wold. It doesn't have sexy actors with big names, expensive special effects (does not need special effects), etc. but it does have a GREAT story and decent acting and twists!
The first part is a little boring (a few minutes), but after that it keeps you tied down and makes you ask for more. It's in spanish, but I saw the english dubbed one.
I can't tell you more because then i would spoil the movie. All you need to know is that it is a simple time travel (one hour in the past) movie that will f**k with your head!
I didn't post a trailer because the trailer is a Spoiler !!  Watch the movie instead!

Shutter (2004)

Plot: A young photographer and his girlfriend discover mysterious shadows in their photographs after a tragic accident. They soon learn that you can not escape your past.

This Thai movie is exceptional! It scared the shit out of me. And this is how horror movies should be! In fact, 75%+ of Asian horror movies turn out great (Ringu, Ju On, etc.). Ofc that the good old Hollywood is remaking all of them, and when I say remaking I mean ruining them.

I am writing this review a few years after Shutter was remaked, and just like I expected, it turned out bad, really bad.

Now back to the original Thai version; some parts even gave me goosebumps lol. It’s surprisingly good, and it doesn’t have cheesy dialogs and moments.

It starts out slow, but once the scares begin, it’s a rollercoaster! The story is really original and interesting. This is also one of my favorite horror movies.

So if you are a horror fan or just simply looking for a creepy movie, watch Shutter!
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THE AMERICAN SHITTY REMAKE OF THIS FILM AT ALL! DO NOT WATCH IT! WATCH ORIGINAL THAI VERSION INSTEAD!

Trailer:

ils (2006) aka. Them

Plot: Lucas and Clementine live peacefully in their isolated country house, but one night they wake up to strange noise... they're not alone...
Before i start to review this movie in a few words (i will never ever give away any spoilers!) i have to tell you that i am a huge horror fan, and i have seen hundreds of horror movies, so i have high expectations when it comes to horror movies.
If you look at the plot, you will think "aw shit, another boring horror movie with a shitty plot", but i can assure you, you are very wrong. This is one of my favorite horror movies. It's even based on a real events (this story is NO fiction, it can happen and it is happening all over the world). I've been looking forward to see this movie, and was very excited when i finally got my hands on it. It's one of those movies, that will keep you on the edge of your seat, aka. oldschool suspense movie. Sound is everything in this movie. I really don't understand WHY would anyone put music playing in the background in a horror movie? Always was a fan of horror movies with natural sound, and no music to cover the silence (Blair Witch, REC, etc. but will review those movies later on). Makes it more real. Also this movie was filmed in Romania, my home country, so i know about the story being real (checked it after i watched the movie). I will not go into any details about the movie, because i don't want to plant any ideas in your heads. In a horror movie the less you know before you watch it, the better (when it comes to a good horror movie).
So if you like horror movies (or suspense movies) make sure you watch this one! It's a French movie, so you will probably need subtitles. Don't be lazy to read, it's worth it.

Trailer: