Hex

This one starts slow and simple, then doesn't let up on the tension. Minimal in sets and cast, which works perfect for this story, HEX is a great entry in the recent resurgence of "art horror". The camerawork and score are also top notch here and really enhance the story!

A methodical, interesting and very intelligent film. The atmosphere and intellectual underpinnings are more important to the filmmaker than ceaseless action. If you crave that, great. Almost any super hero movie will do. This on the other hand is an insightful meditation on extremes in a time of civil war. If you want a film that will challenge your mind and your senses (so beautifully shot) then this is for you.

As other reviewers have painfully pointed out the pace of Hex is slow. Seems they've been so transfixed on this they haven't bothered to mention that's its only drawback.

During the English Civil War two soldiers from opposite sides of the conflict find themselves alone in the woods only to face off against each other. Things are not equal as one is older, and thus more experienced, but he underestimates the younger soldier's survival instinct in what leads to a cat and mouse game during which they discover they are not as alone as they thought and find themselves trapped in the woods by a witch.

The cinematography in Hex is simply beautiful taking full advantage of lush woodland scenery and an old ruins. Re-enactment props and costumes give it an authentic look, combined with the scenery, well beyond its means. The audio in this is truly masterful, from the slightest brush of tall grass to a crackle in a fire to a babble in a brook, the environment is full and crisp.

Three incredibly talented actors bring to life a story tautly stretched in tension. The director keeps the mystery going making good use of the natural surroundings, the night, and of course the unknown. Fear and suspicion rule day and night for the soldiers, not only of an unseen enemy but of an unknown trust as to whether they could turn on each other at any moment. The tension plays out as thick as the tall grass in the meadows.

This is not a story of just a moment in history, as that is its adornment, but within is an allegory pertinent in our times that certainly provides something to think about and stays with you, for those who don't shrink away from it. Slow it is, and it could have used some trimming in my opinion, but beautiful and haunting throughout is what sight, sound and an open mind will reveal.

It was quite refreshing to see a film that wants to show the other side of a war. Not as much of its physical conflict by a moral and an emotional between people. Their unstoppable desire to eliminate each other for no other reason than just because which I suspect was quite common those days. Kudos to the director for bringing this to our attention.

It is very difficult for 2 actors to carry a film as well as these two did. I applaud George Popov and Jonathan Russel for their great direction. I was engaged from start to finish. The ending was worth the wait and well played. Not only was I entertained but at the end I was forced to think about how we approach different beliefs. Good Job.