Irreversible

(French)
2002
Unrated

My Rating: 3 out of 5 creepy red hallways

Expectation: I first saw this film on my own with no knowledge of what it was about. I saw it at the video store under the ‘Foreign New Releases’ section. The summary on the back of the cover is what got my attention. It said –according to my memory- that it told a story about revenge in reverse. It took the story into segments and showed them from ending to the ‘surprise’ beginning. The concept of this storytelling is what got my attention. Other than that, I had no idea what I was getting into. Sounded like the same old story, told differently.

Date Watched: Early 2004

Review: Despite the low rating, I find is amazing. It delivered what it offered. I loved the storytelling aspect. This movie stirs emotion with violence, sex, drugs and anger. It is actually a very shocking movie. It is disturbing and unforgettable. The keystone of the movie is the graphic rape scene that serves as the catalyst for the plot. It is intense. I hate this movie for the way it makes me feel. It is often uncomfortable. But, I respect this movie for boldly telling a tragic story and stirring emotions. My biggest gripe: the ending (aka beginning) wasn’t satisfying. Suffice to say it just wasn’t as good as the rest of the story.

Who would I recommend this movie to? Very few people. I would suggest this to people who aren’t afraid of a controversial movie. You also have to like foreign films.

Would I watch this movie again? I’ve seen it twice. I’ve had enough.

* This movie gets an Arbie Award for Most Violent Death Using a Fire Extinguisher