Anazapta

The movie takes its time and overall I think what it tries to do is recommendable. Putting a face to something that was a horrible event in history is not a bad idea. But until we get there, you may get bored or at least a bit annoyed. The acting is good and there is quite a few things you may like. Not the over the top cliches at points probably.

We have Jason Flemyng and Lena Headey, the latter probably having some training or at least getting accostumed to something she later revised (GoT). So for them it seems like it was fun. It doesn't quite translate to the screen. Some of the symbolism (sexual frustration, being in charge as a woman and so forth) really don't shine as much as they could. Still there have been worse movies out there

I felt I was watching something from the 70s. It has strong adult themes and language and well-known actors, but I thought they all acted badly; it's as if everyone had been asked to do a poor job, editing, acting, directing, etc. Shame, for a film made in 2002, it all looks pretty dated.

Being an avid admirer of director Alberto Sciamma´s first film "Killer Tongue" I did not hesitate to watch his new movie while it was shown at the "Fantasy-Filmfest" Germany. I cannot say, I´m disappointed. But i did not turn out the way I expected it. Compared to his first movie, an extravaganza beyond compare, "Anazapta" looks too arty to capture my benevolent attention. There have been some great movies on the middle ages, like "Flesh and Blood", "Jabberwocky" or "Hour of the Pig". In all these movies the middle ages are so dirty, amoral and violent as you always thaught thy would have been. "Anazapta" makes no exception, and that´s the biggest failure. It does not show anything you haven´t seen before. The movie looks very tv-like. There is no spark. Compared to the in some aspects similar "Hour of the Pig" it´s a major disappointment. Although it´s twisted, you lose interest in getting to the final twist. Don´t misunderstand me. It´s not a bad movie. I have seen much, much worse. But my expectations were higher.

Lena Headey is the perfect jewel for this mesmerizing film. She is surrounded by a great cast whose menacing and troubled characters make you shiver as if from the winter's cold. The film is bleak, brutal and thanks to Headey's seductive allure, utterly compelling. Both she and the film are more than worth the price of a ticket.

I was curious about this movie, since the Brazilian DVD has a great mistake on the cover: makes reference to the year 1838 and the black plague. Being a fan and collector of movies, I decided to watch this movie of a story in the Middle Ages. And I found a surprisingly good, amoral and violent movie. The story actually takes place in 1328, and the first positive point to call my attention was the image of the Middle Ages town and inhabitants: poor and ignorant people, with dirty clothes, spoiled teeth, living in a dirty and muddy village. Therefore, a vision totally different from those showed in Hollywood movies, with fancy castles and villages with beautiful people. Second, it is a story of lust and revenge, very amoral and violent. The script presents the story in such a way that the viewer becomes aware of the situation at the same time as Matilda (Lena Headley), the main character. Indeed a good movie and fans of movies of Middle Ages will not be disappointed. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Anazapta"