Tras el cristal

No distributor has been foolish enough to try and get this film past the British film censors, (you have to pay, even if your movie is rejected), but it was shown at two local festivals, and at the London screening, an initial audience of about 150 was reduced to a mere 12 by the end. It is unremittingly grim, harrowing and disturbing, and yet it probes the darkest depths to which humankind can sink, and demands that we confront "the unspeakable" which is so often avoided precisely because it is to painful to even speak about. My only moral reservation about this film is the use of very young actors in it. Although on the end credits there is a disclaimer stating that the highest standards of probity were employed during the film's production with regard to minors, I cannot see how some scenes were filmed without the youngsters having some idea of their sado-sexual context. Under British law, the public exhibition of such a film would be illegal unless it could be proven that clever editing etc., avoided these minors being aware of the scene's context. That said however, it is a film I would defend since it goes to the very heart of humankind's propensity for cruelty and barbarism, using the metaphors of authoritarian politics and authoritarian sexuality. And, after all, the film only shows being done to humans what society daily visits upon the animal kingdom - it is just a question of degree. To describe it as a "horror" film is wrong; it is unique and beyond categorization, although "horrendous" is certainly apt.

"In a Glass Cage" has to be one of the most disturbing horror films ever made.The film is extremely intense and so incredibly depressing and powerful in its honest depiction of mankind's failure and instincts towards violence and sadism.The soundtrack is outstanding and the music alone will make the viewer speechless,not to speak the sound of an iron lung that has to be among the most disgusting sounds I've ever heard.The acting is excellent,but there are several truly disturbing scenes of pedophilia and child murder."In a Glass Cage" is a very difficult movie to watch,however you'll also walk away mesmerized by the disgusting beauty of this film itself.Nazi doctor Meisner abused and killed many young boys during war.After a suicide attempt he is now paralyzed and confined to an iron lung.One day,his former victim Angelo comes to work for him as a nurse.However,the revenge he has planned for the cripple is dominated by traumatic perversion.Give this overlooked masterpiece a look.10 out of 10.

There are few films as utterly repulsive - but nonetheless distinctive and well-made - as Tras el cristal. This Spanish assault on the senses is the terrible tale of a nazi torturer whose cruel desires for murdering and abusing young boys leads him to attempt suicide. His failure leaves him imprisoned in an iron lung - and us viewers in his grotesque and dirty nightmare. Attended by an assortment of ghoulish figures he deliberates his history. A new nurse is employed, however, who has a special interest in "caring" for this impotent nightmare of an individual. From there the film becomes a black vision of the psychological and physical scars which can destroy individuals and the violent force of tainted memories and shredded, wasted lives. Its a graphic film but doesn't dwell or portray the reprehensible acts of the lead character. It does contain some horrific violence and torture though spares the audience representation of the sexual abuse and more extreme details which the script skirts over.

Marisa Paredes - a familiar face from numerous Pedro Almodovar films - is suitably creepy in a small role. This film will get under your skin like a mite and disturb you for quite a while. Its nonetheless memorable and well-constructed but an endurance text for audiences used to much more "clean" treatments of these issues in American films. The film plays like a nightmare and is continuously and utterly bereft of emotion - one of its most disturbing elements amongst many, many others. But this very lack of emotion goes some way to interrogating the consciousness of the terrifyingly blank lead character. It remains banned in Australia and other territories in the early part of the 21st century. While not deserving this fate, it is not a film many will be able to bear I imagine. Its not certain the point and vision of this film goes anywhere but deep inside, rotting the soul's core. In any case, its reputation has assured it will be seen in the wrong context and for the sake of shock. Not that there's anything wrong with that... except this film begs for a more considered approach even if it goes all grand guignol and over the top in its closing 1/3.

I picked this movie out of my library's Spanish video selection and was I surprised while watching this masterpiece! I have never seen anything like it in my life. David Sust is my favorite new actor. What a role! His childhood tormentor- the Nazi- is very convincing as an invalid. I am in awe of the young girl Rena, who plays the daughter. How can these kids be such convincing actors. I tip my hat to them and their acting coaches. The Mother- Marissa Paredes, was great, as well. She is one of my favorite female actresses. I had no lingering questions after watching this film in comparison with watching American movies nor, was there any fancy endings, tying it all together. I could not take my eyes off of the screen; as a matter a fact, I watched it twice! Bravo!

I was expecting to be horrified by this film. I knew what it was about. After watching the opening scene I thought I wouldn't be able to get through the whole film without having nightmares.

I read some reviews about how this film was banned in some places and though I can understand henious nature of the crimes committed, this is the first in your face film that I've seen that deals with the reality of abuse and how these cycles continue unless they are broken. Sometimes you have to be blatantly crass and over the top to get the point across which this film does in an unwavering manner.

Personally, I thought most of the film was boring only because it was predictable. The soundtrack is the standout. But overall, it was fairly well made film and I think anyone who thinks this film should be banned should look in their own Glass cage. They are probably the one's who have children hanging from racks in their basement.

To anyone who has been a victim of abuse and has chosen to break the cycle, will understand what I mean. Others will probably be disturbed.