Crush

This film is pretty dark and twisted with lots of betrayal and intrigue. On the surface it appears to be a conventional drama but there is also a psychological thriller aspect as not everyone is who they seem. It sounds mysterious and at times it is, but it didn't amount to much and I found it hard to follow sometimes.

If you're a person who likes movies that keep you guess this one certainly will until the very shocking and superb ending. I haven't seen a movie that ended so powerfully since Vertigo and I would mark this Director's incredible style and writing talents as quite good as recognized by her commendation at the Cannes Film Festival and her subsequent success in more mainstream cinema. The unique plot of the film starts of a little slowly but brings the viewer into communion with its characters through both distinct sexuality and the angst-ridden characters and how they deal with the early car accident and it's subsequent repercussions. Marcia Gay Harden puts in a riveting performance in this not to be missed film.

Skip Gladiator . . . uh-hem, I mean troy and rent this one.

The theme of a malevolent stranger insinuating herself into a family, seducing everyone in it, and wreaking havoc before getting her final comeuppance is an old tale. But it is told in this movie in a fresh and engaging way. Part of the appeal is the New Zealand landscape, and the cinematography dwells on its most unusual, dream-like aspects. Marcia Gay Harden is absolutely spot-on as the seductress. Caitlin Bossley is also very appealing as the daughter. William Zappa is rather frumpy, however, as the famous author. In an interesting twist, the direct victim of Harden's malevolence is played by Donogh Rees as a character which is just as malevolent.

I saw this film and ten minutes into it i thought this is bad. 15 min later I thought this is getting worse.... well u get the idea. I cantbelieve this won 4 awards. there a fake, going no where plot. The actors have no feeling for there roles. Their just them going through the motions. I found huge hole in the way things happen. Why did the writer guy who had a relationship with Lane. find it strange that she didn't visit her friend in hospital. I understand she was have problems coping with the accident. but its what u do, isn't it?(visit your friends when their sick) I found this movie strange and feel like it was all mess up story wise.

I only saw the last half of this New Zealand film on Sundance cable this evening.

Of course I wouldn't normally comment after an incomplete viewing, much less only half. I'm only doing so because so far there are no comments on IMDb, and this one deserves them. But given my partial viewing, I won't venture any more comment than this:

It's a very well filmed, intense psychological drama among four women and one man. It definitely brings a fresh perspective. It's well acted, and riveting, for those interested in intelligent, as opposed to least common denominator, dramas.

I will definitely be viewing the whole thing.