Mercy (Senza pietà)

The erotic ambiance of this film is overwhelming. The plot is sexually charged despite the fact that there is no overt sex depicted in the film. The nudity that is shown seems more for function than exploitation. Peta Wilson's performance is incredibly compelling and sensual. "Mercy" is worth seeing for her presentation alone. Add the somber mood of the film, the secret femme culture of rough sex that is explored, Ellen Barkin as a troubled detective, and what could have been merely an "B" Movie cop thriller becomes a special film that held me rapt from start to finish.

Female protagonists dominate "Mercy". I think that is one of the key factors that make it so entertaining. It makes no apologies its depiction of its women being independent and living their own, albeit secret, lives. One learns gradually of this subculture as the erotic Vicki Kittrie reluctantly guides Detective Catherie Palmer through this dark, ethereal world in search of a killer. This is really a film worth enjoying. The acting is superb from one and all. The plot moves along with constant suspense, and the climax is gritty and real, yet stunning in its poignance. And that aura of the sensually erotic simply pervades every scene. I highly recommend "Mercy".

That any soft or hard core producer would only dream of. This one has it all; good acting, turn on scenes, bisexuality, lesbianism, murder, sexual deviation and maybe a cult and/or a serial killer thrown in too.

A little too much actually but it makes for a decent thriller although it becomes a little too predictable during the middle.

You have to be fairly open minded and in the mood but this will keep your attention. Particularly good performances by Julian Sands, whom I normally dislike, and Pita Wilson.

To be honest, I only picked up 'Mercy' because my favourite actor is Gabriel Byrne. The story starts off a little slowly, but then I found myself just glued to my seat. Barkin and Wilson play out such a dazzling duo, I still can't believe it. The two blondes call out all the intense 'noir' of the film in an intricate way, it's just beautiful to see. Their relationship is the clue to all the film. Wilson's seducing Barkin is emotional rather than carnal. A fabulous display of human nature, in my view.

If you decide to see the video, do it for the sake of this dazzling duo. The film's worth seeing though just for the two of them.

I can understand those who give Mercy a 1 ... in many ways, it's a terrible film. For the most part, it's a teenaged boy's wet dream about beautiful lesbians, wrapped in Lynchian style.

And yet, I couldn't stop watching it. Ellen Barkin remains a highly underrated actress (and an unbelievably sexy woman for her age.) Peta Wilson has hypnotic beauty and holds her own quite well with Barkin. She actually "researched" the role by delving into LA's lesbian S&M scene for a few weeks ... what a trooper.

If you have Memento-esque short-term memory lapse, this is a great film. Forget the plot and float along in its lurid eroticism.

I rather enjoyed this movie. I thought the acting was very good. It kept me alert, and thinking throughout. THIS IS NOT A FILM ABOUT lesbianism at all. What I do think, it has a lot more to do with "bondage" "s/m". If your looking for kinky lesbian sex, your not going to experience it here. However, if your looking for a movie that dabbles, in the minds of certain main stream adults who have hang-ups with sex and pain, then this may be entertaining for you. Ellen Barkin, was perfect for this role, her facial expression told her story before her mouth moved. yet you weren't quite sure if she was wondering out loud on the fact that she may like this alternative life style. Peta Wilson, also did a tremendous job in role playing in this film. Im serious wondering, why I havent seen her in more films. She was utterly convincing, and beautifully attired in this movie.

All in all a good movie, that I will view again in the near future.