User reviews

Guinea Pig is one of my favorite underground horror franchises. So, naturally I was excited to watch Bouquet of Guts and Gore. And, I couldn't help but be disappointed. It offers not much more than shock value and gore

Guinea Pig: Flower of Flesh and Blood (the film out of the franchise this tries to recreate) had an artistic beauty to it thanks to horror manga legend Hideshi Hino. It showed the beauty of human life while also showing the horrors one is capable of. It's a gut wrenching, spine tingling, beautiful yet sickening art piece. This one, on the other hand, loses all of that artistic value. And boils it down to nothing more than mindless, over the top, unbelievable gore.

The "dialogue" of which there is not much of, is just characters shouting "out of tape!" and "oh yeah that's it" over and over. And even then the actors still manage to make it feel weird. Making it feel just cringeworthy and annoying.

This film is nothing more than a shock piece that, if you are in the mood for, can be good. But if you are expecting a good art piece à la Guinea Pig, you have been warned.

Graphic? Sure, yep, it is. Not one for the family that is for sure, unless you want to freak your in laws out around Thanksgiving.

I give it a low score for the below average special effects, the disguising of the effects by it being shot in low quality (to give it the genuine feel I suppose, however in this day and age everyone has access to high quality recording, and it is actually a distraction, not to mention a cheap way to hide terrible effects.) and the ATROCIOUS acting.

Pro tip guys! I am not a medical professional, but I highly doubt any part of the human body with bones near by can be cut straight through like they are made of hot dogs. YouTube most likely has plenty of autopsy type videos, of which you should have watched first. This was like a kindergartners take on how easily a saw would cut through bones.

I don't believe that this movie is a strong legacy of the foreign Guinea Pig films. There isn't anything to this movie except killing two women slowly using poor practical effects. There is no characterization and I think the cinematography is poor.

We don't know anything about any of the characters. Its hard to watch the gore when there isn't a compelling story.

Sure it's gory, but the special effects are really rather unrealistic and lack luster.

No story, no plot. What would this be.. a 10 page script?

This here people is called how to do a movie with the least amount of work possible.

If you want to see this crap there are ton's of real internet sites showing real people dying in worse ways.

This may of been "shocking" in the 80's... today it is just boring.

Do not waste your time or money with this junk.

And wow IMDb want's at least 10 lines for a review. There is not 10 lines of dialogue in this movie. Literally my review has more words than the entire film.

Unbearable. A hell. Impossible not to cover your face. And the author goes and dedicates it to his mother.

In 1985 a film was produced that depicted the graphic torture and murder of a young women by a group of men in a warehouse. Their intent? To study the human body's threshold for pain. Originally titled Unabridged Agony, but better known as The Devil's Experiment, this film was the first in a series of what would later become the most controversial films to come out of all of Japan; the Guinea Pig films.

It wasn't until the release of the series second film, Flower of Flesh and Blood, that these films started to gain notoriety. Directed by Hideshi Hino, Flower of Flesh and Blood begins with a message from the director detailing that his inspiration to make the film came from a genuine snuff film he received in the mail. Expressing that what we are about to see is a reimagining of the true horrors that he witnessed on screen. The film then proceeds into a world of debauchery as a man dressed as a samurai systematically begins to dismantle a drugged woman tied to a table, limb by limb. The film's depictions of graphic violence were so realistic that many thought the film to be real snuff. Probably most infamously, in 1991 actor Charlie Sheen watched a segment of the film, and convinced that what he just watched was the filming of an actual homicide, decided to contact the FBI. The Bureau implemented an investigation but dropped it after Hino was able to demonstrate that what was shown was all done through special effects.

The series further gained infamous reputation when the sixth film in the series, Devil Doctor Woman, was found in the videotape collection of child murder Tsutomu Miyazaki. This prompted a wide debate on graphic violence in film and its perceived association with real life implications of violence. In the end, six films came out of the Guinea Pig series before going out of production over such significant controversy. Even with the series death, the films had garnered a cult following, and the series was bootlegged and shared throughout the world within the underground horror collecting community.

In 2005 Stephan Biro had bought the rights to the Guinea Pig series and launched his distribution company, Unearthed Films, with the first official U.S. release of the series. This is where the American Guinea Pig series begins. It was now illegal to make any films with the Guinea Pig name in Japan, ultimately leaving the series dead in the water. That did not mean the series could not continue in the United States, and so in 2014 Biro wrote and directed the first film in what would become America's adaptation and homage of Japan's controversial legacy.

Bouquet of Guts and Gore is the first film to come out of the American Guinea Pig franchise, and it is the film that bridges the Japanese and American series together. Where Flower and Flesh and Blood presents itself as the reimagining of a snuff film that Hino received in the mail, Bouquet of Guts and Gore presents itself to be the very film that Hino watched. Except instead of it being a lone depraved mad man dismembering a woman on a table for his own enjoyment, it is an underground production company that produces snuff films for the black market; where we observe two women in similar circumstances, except their deaths are much more drawn out, much more mean spirited, and much more viscerally depicted.

For those seeking plot, character development, and story, this film is not for you. In its truest sense, this film is an exhibition of how much depraved realism can be created with practical effects on screen. It is a love letter to extreme cinema. It is a test of endurance and moral character. It is devoid of plot because plot is not why this film is watched. There is no important narrative arch because this film is simply intended to show life end. This film has taken the primary elements of extreme horror and stripped it down to its most basic components: graphically displayed violence and gore. This film is a gorehounds wet dream.

That does not mean this film does not come with its set of drawbacks. For one, the film's opening sequence in which our two female victims are captured is nonsensical and does not help develop a sense of realism. This film is shot in a found-footage fashion, which is necessary in providing the feeling that what we are watching is a genuine snuff film. But what the film opens with is our two female characters walking to their car in a suburban neighborhood, observed from the vowaristic perspective of their soon to be abductors filming them. Yet many of the shots chosen in this sequence would place the camera man directly infront, or in eyes view, of the two women. Secondly, how the women are abducted is silly. The women pile into an impressive muscle car with the windows already rolled down. As they sit and begin to start the car a hidden figure in the back seat is seen wearing a gas mask, and ignites a noxious gas. This gas is seen billowing out of the car windows past the two women, yet both of them collapse in their seats into unconsciousness. Our gas masked figure then takes the role in the driver's seat and then speeds away. The whole segment feels forced, as if the whole scene was wrote so that they could use the car the car in the film.

That said, once the scene is set and our victims are captured, the film dramatically improves from there. In fact, though I found the first few moments of the film to be counterproductive to its intended tone and theme, I am quickly able to dismiss it, understanding that this is Biro's first film, ever, and how quickly the film recovers once the action begins.

Regarding what follows, I have no interest in providing any spoilers. I will say however, that the film's practical effects are top notch. Marcus Koch is the special fx artist on this project, and he did a phenomenal job. The violence looks real, and the violence looks vicious. When compared to Flower of Flesh and Blood, which has dated quite a bit since its initial release, Bouquet pics up the pieces and presents something that looks very much like the real thing. For fans of the original Japanese films, the American Guinea Pig series starts off with a promising first feature film. Bouquet of Guts and Gore is a must watch for any fan or collector of extreme cinema. It is grueling, raw, and does not seem to know or care if it has crossed the line. The film ends with a sequence that will shock and disturb likely even the most seasoned of extreme cinophiles.

There are reviews here that go into detail about the plot, what little of it there is. I won't go into that here.

The effects are actually quite good! The total destruction of these victims is precisely what the doctor ordered for gore hounds. These dudes do some really messed up things to their victims. Like, REALLY messed up.

Honestly, the only reason to watch this is for the gore, and by all accounts this film DEFINITELY delivers. A CLEAR example of why practical effects will ALWAYS be better than CGI.

Forget about an actual plot though. It's paper thin. It's made of aerogel or something. LOL

The ending was INSANELY disturbing as I think about what it hints @. It honestly bothered me. A lot.

Which I guess was the point.

Considering everything that happened in the film beforehand, the ending is EXTREMELY disturbing. Probably the most disturbing part of the whole film.

Recommended for die-hard gore hounds ONLY.

The title of this review says it all. Never in my life have I ever dealt with a person quite as unbearable as Stephen Biro and his less than poor quality film is a clear and direct reflection of that. Literally unwatchable.

Doesn't hold a candle to the original guinea pig series. A lot of the dialogue about "i'm out of film! Out of roll! Cut!" was kinda cringy. And a lot of the gore was over the top.

The scene that truly got me was the jaw scene. I don't know if it was the quality since they used the VHS camera or what but it got to me. I will be haunted by that.

Speaking of, the 70s roll camera doesn't really help. I see what they were going for, that kinda august underground or last house on dead end street feel but it just made me go "what's happening??"

It's an ok love letter to the original and I hope to see more honestly.

I can see what they were trying to do. It has some ok gore effects in places but some do look cheap and take you right out of the vibe.....also the guy with long hair is the worst actor I've suffered in a long time, terrible dialogue....which was totally unnecessary. He ruins most of the scenes with his pathetic pointless lines.

The opening scene was beyond amateurishly filmed, the girls can't even act 'walking'. I 5hought it was a joke at first....then the part in the car!? Hilariously bad and again ruins the atmosphere they were desperately trying to create.

It's not a patch on the original for style and the most disappointing part is that even with all the nastiness it still felt as if it was holding back, it could have been far dark kn feel and nastier. Then they totally pussy out right at the end when they bring out the baby and young boy....which turns out to be nothing.......what a let down. Now that would have been something to see. But chickens out.

An ok effort and fun watch only for a couple of nice gore effects but far from as great as the filmmakers seem to think it is in the low budget amateurish interview included as an extra...... self congratulatory back slapping nonsense.

I sort of knew what I was about to watch going into this because I've seen the other movies in this AGP series, but for me this goes too far. Disgusting, vile schlock gore for gore's sake, just absolutely a film made to gross you out, and I've seen every disgusting perverse horror ever made from Cannibal Holocaust to S&Man to Incest Death Squad. This doesn't scare, it grosses. Watch something like The Poughkeepsie Tapes instead.

Errr yeah not much to say really, it's what it says on the tin. Terrible lame acting rescued by good effects and a long sense of dread and despair. I felt sick at times and didn't sit comfortably through the entire thing. If a horror film is meant to horrify then this ticks those boxes, but that's kinda all it does. And you get the feeling that's purely what the makers wanted.

Deliberately paced vivisections are the meat of this nearly plot less gore exploration, which in quite a few ways tops the original Japanese Guinea Pig series whence it sprung. Although many will complain of the lack of dramatic content, this movie is a hideous spectacle that displays creativity in ways other than developing an interesting "plot" or "characters"...and these ways are for the most part exceedingly nasty. Some angles and films stocks and effects look more realistic than others, but most of the rough stuff plays pretty well or very well. It is no small achievement that after nearly an hour of carnage, Biro, Koch, Bebber, and company manage plumb the most disturbing depths in the final gore sequences and epilogue.

Included are some quite memorable usages of needles, a crucifix, and branch clippers...

Let me start by saying I love gore, I love extreme, and I love disturbing movies. From August Underground to A Serbian Film I have been around the block when it comes to this genre of film. Without a doubt I felt that this movie lived up to all of them, and stands tall with any extreme horror movie in existence. I true love letter to the original Guinea Pig Series, AGP: Bouquet of Guts and Gore is stomach turning and incredibly enjoyable.

I'll start by telling you everything I liked. The special effects here are nothing short of amazing. They are not always realistic, but they are always fun, and once the gore starts it doesn't stop until the end of the movie. Each effect is more extreme than the last and there are some really creative sequences throughout.

I like that the story here is pretty much non-existent. All you need to know is two girls are kidnapped, tied to a table, and ripped apart piece by piece. If that's not extreme than I don't know what is! While watching the film you know this isn't the killers first go around at something like this, and you know they will be doing it again, but the ending of this movie really hits you hard, and it doesn't take gore or vicious effects, all it takes is knowing what happens next, which you do because the entire movie just showed you what happens if you find yourself strapped to the killers table. When you watch the movie you will know what I mean.

I really enjoyed the score, it gave me a uneasy ominous feeling. The snuff film approach is well done and helps sell the effects. All around this movie did most of the little things right, which really makes a difference in the long run.

My only real gripes is the acting is subpar but that has to be expected with a DIY movie like this. Also I felt the beginning sequence that shows the girls being kidnapped was unnecessary and poorly executed. I think it would have been better if that was completely cut out and the film opened with them strapped to the table.

All and all this is a movie made for gore-hounds, I found it extremely enjoyable although not entirely re-watchable, but with that being said most horror movies that set out to be disturbing don't have a lot of replay value this day in age. If you haven't seen this movie and you love gore its a must watch. Or if you want to make your soft friends throw up put it on and let them watch.

8/10

What an amazing movie! Sure theirs no story or any of the characters fighting back, but who says movies NEED those? This was amazing, especially for the special effects. One could think this is real.

Since I've seen the Guinea Pig Series, I was happy to see a remake of it, and I was still impressed after watching it! It keeps the cringing, the gore, but there are some changes, as there more people recording and doing the job. But that really doesn't matter.

Fake snuff films I have seen, and I do enjoy them because it just comes to show to realistic we can make movies look. A good example to use is August Underground and this film of course.

For those who liked Guinea Pig, but think this is going to ruin it, trust me, the movie is worth it. As said before, it still holds everything the original had. The only thing that was the most sickening was the ending, in my opinion.

When I saw there's going to be more movies of American Guinea Pig, my mind ran wild wondering what might be next.

Could it be another remake from another Guinea Pig film, or will it be something completely different? We'll just have to wait.....

From the very start of this film you are lead by hand and soul/spirit through the slow and morbid crawl of every cut, hack, tear, and gouge of the human destruction on display... the cameras never cut away... yes, the 73 minutes is principally flesh, blood, bone, and the madmen tearing it to pieces... It is an unrelenting celebration of OTT gore/violence intended for those desiring wall to wall hellish blood lusting mayhem...and the incredible rendering of the visuals viewed through ACTUAL Super 8 film are incomparable, as well as the hyper definition of VHS... all F/X work done by this team will set new standards for what Hard gore in films need to rise to... and the sustained hopeless atmosphere and grim minimalist score contribute greatly to the sense of total inescapable darkness...

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of this film at a festival back in October. I have seen the Japanese Guinea Pig films, so I knew what to expect. This is a film about absolute destruction of the human body. It's one for people who are into hardcore gore only. The film was shot on super 8, so it has a real gritty feel from start to finish. The premise is horrible - 2 woman are abducted, strapped down, and given liquid LSD while men wearing masks dismember them slowly, filming the entire gruesome process. I couldn't help but think about what it would be like to have a head full of acid while being slowly hacked apart. The special effects are INSANE!!! I've honestly never seen anything so horrifically real in a horror film before. The pace is slow and unrelenting. And at the end, when you think that the horror is over.....nope. The ending pushes things over a line that is too horrific for many to even consider. Well done to everyone involved in the making of this film!!! The standard for gore and practical effects has been reset!