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Hellraiser (1987)

Average user rating

3 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

In the bare bedroom of a London suburban house, bored sensualist Frank Cotton solves the mystery of a Chinese puzzle-box and enters a world of exquisite cruelty presided over by the Cenobites, glamorous sadists with a penchant for ripped flesh, steaming viscera and flayed muscle. Later, restored to life by his brother Larry's blood, Frank rises half-formed from a pool of slime. When Larry's wife (and Frank's ex-lover) Julia agrees to provide the human meat he needs to put flesh on his bones, the three become involved in an infernal triangle... Barker's dazzling debut as a director creates such an atmosphere of dread that the astonishing visual set pieces simply detonate in a chain reaction of cumulative intensity. His use of the traditional 'teenage screamer' heroine (Larry's daughter) tends to undercut the unsettling moral ambiguities of the adult triangle, and the brooding menace of the Cenobites is far more terrifying than the climactic rollercoaster ride. These are small quibbles, however, in a debut of such exceptional promise. A serious, intelligent and disturbing horror film.

Author: NF

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

mike said...

Posted on Nov 25 2009 16:28 Sorry- I should've clearified- I forgot to in the op-
I just finished reading a dozen "top critic" reviews from other sites which were all neg. My remarks were directed towards those "shallow" critics- not this one.
I meant to add that but was rushing through my lunch hour ;-)

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tom huddleston said...

Posted on Nov 25 2009 16:02 Mike, this was a really positive review by a professional critic who happens to be an expert on horror movies. I'm not sure what you were reading...

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mike said...

Posted on Nov 25 2009 15:58 This is one of the best horror movies I have seen in awhile. A twisted story about a secret love affair and the evil of Pandora's box. It contains the most creative monsters and horrifying situations. Be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat. Clive Barker created the most original horror character ever. Pinhead's character is solely founded on dishing out pain and suffering... almost as an S&M experience. The movie itself has a good amount of tension which I love and the gore factor is up there with the oversized fish hooks ripping flesh apart.
The so called "professional critics" are out of touch and have no clue how to rate a horror movie- listen to the regular people- they will give you the best review, and have...

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