Revenge

Revenge (2017)

*** (out of 4)

Rather insane French film has Richard (Kevin Janssens) taking his mistress Jen (Matilda Lutz) to a house that is used by him and his hunting buddies. The hunting buddies Stan (Vincent Colombe) and Dimitri (Guillaume Bouchede) arrive and the next morning Jen is raped by one of them. Fearing what might happen Richard tries to kill Jen but after a horrendous injury she survives to get revenge.

I guess the only word that comes to my mind after watching this film is "wow." I mean, really? To say that I'm a bit shocked would be an understatement and I say that for a number of reasons. This film was released to all sorts of controversy with some people walking out on it and others calling it a masterpiece. Well, I didn't walk out on it and I don't think it's a masterpiece. REVENGE is certainly an entertaining movie but the more I think about it the more logical issues I have with it.

For starters, I'm going to avoid spoilers but how in the Hell did Jen survive what happened to her? With that out of the way, the first portion of this film is exceptionally good with director Coralie Fargeat doing a terrific job with the introduction of the characters and she also handles the pre-rape sequence very well. These rape/revenge movies have been done to death but I thought the director did a great job building up the tension leading up to the rape.

What didn't work with the film was a few logical issues that kept creeping up throughout the movie including it appearing that all of the characters turned into superheroes. Another problem with the film is that at times I think all of the style gets in the way of the story but this here was just a minor issue. Even with these issues you can't help but love the performances from the entire cast and especially those of Lutz and Janssens. Both of them were wonderful in their parts and especially Lutz since she doesn't get much dialogue and instead must act with her eyes to let us know what's going on with the character.

The music score, the cinematography and editing are all wonderful and there's no doubt that this is an extremely well-made film. As I said, I thought there were certainly some flaws but even with them I couldn't help but enjoy the film as a pure exploitation picture. I mean, there's a lot of really graphic violence and a ton of blood throughout the movie so gore hounds are going to be happy. The film is pretty darn sleazy throughout and for the most part I enjoyed it.

Having just seen the Substance, I went back to watch this earlier work. She has a very distinct style with so much gore and blood, you have to suspend reason and what you know about anatomy. The advantage is that scenes can go on like a carnival ride despite feeling sick. And, yet, her stories work. There's a kind of professionalism from those in front of and behind the camera that has a magnetic effect on the viewer. Holding your attention is something that conventional film often lose with incoherent action scenes and dialog that's chock full of cliches. What i have to say is I think she's getting better. As for this earlier work, the title says it all, but it's a good ride.

Does it matter that much? are gore films usually realistic as hell? this isn't a biopic or a real life drama or something like that. it's a bloody violent movie that keeps you entertained throughout its length. Plus, it's becautifully filme it has great camera shots and cool music. yeah it's not the most realistic piece, but cmon does it really needs to be? i think in some movies you don't need absolute realism or factual truth. you just go for the ride, and if it's a fun one, the rest doesn't matter that much-

it's a fun movie. it has lots of blood, some gory scenes and a heroine - it could play as a comic book too and it would be very interesting at it. Superhero movies are 0 realistic and still have good grades. This one at least is better shot and has a really cool cinematography. if you don't watch it expecting a schindler's list you will like it.

This is a movie that would keep you on edge from the first scene. The aspect that I enjoyed the most was the quality of cinematography and the beauty of visuals. Every scene appeared to have been wonderfully planned with eye catching colors and camera angles. Whole movie seemed like a one long TV commercial. Although there were a few moments where you have to suspend your disbelief, this could be highly recommended as an extremely well-done thriller.

This became instantly one of my all time favorites. I've seen over 2k movies. I would use that film to teach tension at film school. Modern masterpiece. This was so unsettling from the very beginning. I wanted it to be over and to never end at the same time. Loved it. Must watch. If you can't see blood, this one is not for you. It felt like Mad Max, Home alone and Die hard had a threesome.