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All reviews by user Date  Helpful Rating 1 out of 1 users found this helpful  The games are played on you . . .Posted: 3/18/2008A review of Funny Games by bowery_boy I'm not a fan of the "torture porn" genre of films so Funny Games didn't do anything for me. However, if you're a fan of films in which sociopaths torture, torment and murder innocent people then you'll enjoy this.
Granted, it isn't a bad film because it evoked so many emotions from me ranging from anger to shock to disgust which is exactly what Haneke wanted (I have seen an interview with Haneke in which he gave a greater understanding of his intentions).
Most of the violence occurs off screen. The "funny games" of the title is more of a tongue-in-cheek reference to the director's manipulation of the viewer. This becomes more evident as the movie progresses, particularly in one of the final scenes that contains the single act of violence that is actually shown. This scene was met with a cheer of "Nice going!" from me. Then suddenly the rug was pulled from under my feet making me question exactly why I cheered that act of violence. Or even why I was watching such a film in the first place.
Haneke is definitely making a powerful statement on violence and how film and media portray it. The film is not meant to be taken as a literal narrative but rather as a statement. Given his original film was made ten years ago, his statement is even more relevant now. Those who come away thinking it's a pointless film that shouldn't have been made are getting exactly the point Haneke is tryng to make.
Funny Games will stick with you for days, and maybe even give you nightmares (I had one that same evening). Overall, it is a disturbing, depressing and thought provoking film but not one I will ever want to watch again. Was this review helpful? Sign In 3 out of 4 users found this helpful  The performances are top notch. . .Posted: 4/14/2006A review of Hard Candy by jdanielscott in particular that of Ellen Page. She certianly does have a promising acting career ahead of her. However, the movie itself is a bit absurd. Once the premise is set up it becomes a bit over the top, convulated and incredibly unbelievable. It certianly does keep your interest and makes you want to know what is going to happen next but when the movie concluded my friend and I thought it was ok, only ok. I mean, come on a 32 year old man cant over power a 14 year old girl? There were several times when he could but he didnt. Also, all the slomo, shaky camera shots didnt help either. This probably was better as a play. An interesting ride but ultimately unsatisfying and stale like a piece of hard candy left unwrapped for weeks. Was this review helpful? Sign In 1-2 of 2 Per Page |
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