Cerimônia de Amor

I remember seeing this movie whenit was released in the theatres in Canada. We went to see the movie knowing nothing about it. I was a surprise as to the subject and I remember many people were shocked and repelled just by the subject. I was actually thrilled by the way the subject was approached. It wasn't vulgar, obscene or bawdy; on the contrary it was sensitive, almost romantic. One emphasizes with the main character, a girl who is attracted by dead persons. I felt seduced, almost hypnotised by many scenes.

All in all a very special and an excellent movie, but one which may not be seen superficially.

This film is quite frankly the only one that has ever brought tears to my eyes. This compelling and profound stir of taboo makes quick work of my knees and I've grown quite fond of it. The acting in this movie was shockingly surreal. Their ability to guide the undertones in effect are rather impressive and my attempts at criticism can only accumulate around the sound editing in which some transitional music and whatnot seemed lesser than par. Nothing in this piece has been overworked or emphasized to exhaustion. I am more than impressed by the simplicity that guides an endless river of emotion in which it captures the one thing.. the one word so overused, abused and neglected; love.

I loved this movie. I get so damn sick of the horror films that portray the funeral service and industry as gruesome, gory and horrifying. I am in the funeral service as well as mortuary school. First of all, I don't believe this movie is about necrophilia beneath the surface. It is about this woman's relationship with death. Gore, blood, guts and other stuff come from fear. There is no respect in that in my opinion. That is for people who are afraid of their own mortality. We are all going to die. It is beautiful that the director and writer were able to explore their relationship with death. Death is intriguing and dark because it is unknown. I think this movie really looked at the main character's relationship with death, herself and her own mortality through her love for the dead. Only, it was presented in a literal fashion. It seemed as though the plot was a great manifestation of the theme, which may be our understanding of life, death and rebirth. Yes, sex is life and death is rebirth. And yes, I find the idea of having sex with the dead literally repulsive, working with the dead on a daily basis. I don't believe that was the message of the movie. One thing I learned in the funeral service is that it is life that we deal with day to day, not death. It is helping the living deal with loss. That is love. If only there were more cerebral, psychological and spiritual movies that touch this topic but unfortunately we are left with gore!! Anyone know of any other movies like this?

Maybe I'm just being lucky, but over the last couple of years I've watched a whole bunch of fantastic Canadian movies by directors such as Atom Egoyan, Bruce McDonald and Don McKellar. These guys are making movies that are wiping the floor with most of their American contemporaries! After watching 'Kissed' add Lynne Stopkewich to that list.

She has managed to make an intelligent and touching movie about one of the last sexual taboos - necrophilia. I can't think of any other movie off the top of my head that has dealt with this subject that isn't either horror or exploitation. Now I love good horror and exploitation movies, don't get me wrong, it's just amazingly refreshing to see this kind of thing handled in a completely different and thoughtful way.

The writing, direction, cinematography are all perfect, and the acting is first class throughout. Especially Molly Parker in the lead role. Parker was funny and sweet in the cult TV show 'Twitch City' with Don McKellar, but reveals even more depth and talent with this outstanding and unforgettable performance. 'Kissed' is a totally unique and special movie. Once seen, never forgotten. I look forward to more movies from Stopkewich. If 'Kissed' is any indication of her braveness and originality, she could well turn into one of THE great film makers of this decade.

The story in this movie is, as often quoted, controversial - and its a story one could expect a great movie of. However, this one fails strongly to get deep into the issue, to what *really* drives Sandra (the girl in the movie) to her different sexual experiences, and likewise, how her "boyfriend" *really* feels about it which eventually leads to the tragic ending. It is very shallow and only touches on the edge of the mystery. 78 minutes running time could easily be extended by half an hour in order to incorporate this. A better script and a better director would probably lift the movie up to the unreasonable high average it has reached at IMDB...