Preaching to the Perverted

Urban's ability to structure objective perspectives around emotionally and socially sensitive contexts takes us to the S&M club scene of London. Cleverly using black humour to disguise the join between the perspective and the context, it takes the completion of the movie to realise that the only view its interwoven statements have left us with is to question our own need to have an opinion. The verbal scaffolding doesn't allow us to avoid the process as it sympathetically leads us into a world of fantasy to affirm how it mirrors the social dynamics of hum drum reality - but with a lot more honesty and safety controls. Tanya is strong. Gosh, with so many people depending on her, it's enough to force a girl to dominate. Her alluring detachment is the only way to keep the world ticking for everybody who needs to be told what to do. The staid enable the illicit; and how will people feel good about themselves without being able to judge others? Well, it's a lonely job but somebody's got to do it – although you have to wonder who's controlling who (soundfamiliar?). And what do you do when the fantasy becomes the reality?

The stylish, dated cinematography really suits the necessary pace of this cult movie, but a remake could be extremely interesting. Jo Parker

Gorgeously shot. There's a lot more going on here than just the SBDSM. The performances are solid and the story is funny and even a little touching. Big recommend.

Very, very seldom does a film come along and make me want to watch it over and over. This is one such case. Sure it has some corny story elements. For example, the ending was a little corny... a little too happy and perfect. And yes, the government would never send somebody to infiltrate subversive groups like this. But the entire film is laced with tongue in cheek satire so let's just sit back and enjoy the story can't we? From a very visual person such as myself, the costumes, makeup and set design are outstanding! True, most of the scenes are probably a little over the top compared to the real BDSM scene, but once again, this is film is not meant to be taken literally. Even the music is wonderfully chosen to reflect each scene. These technical and creative merits alone deserve an A+. Yes, Guinevere Turner is exceptionally beautiful and sexy in this film, but Sue Johnston deserves a WOW for flat out courage for shaving her head and still looking this gorgeous. This film has deservedly won a place on my list of top 10 films of all time. From a visual standpoint it's easily in the top 5, right next to The Cell, Moulin Rouge, and Bram Stoker's Dracula.

First of all, let me say that I know nothing about the S&M scene in London or anywhere else for that matter. But from an outsider's viewpoint, I enjoyed this film a lot. Guinevere Turner was stunning and a great dominatrix, the film was fresh and funny, an interesting, amusing take on somewhat of a taboo subject. The film was on the whole a visual feast with good direction but not without its bad points. Christien Anholt as Peter was appalling. He simply cannot act. Lucky for him, there was so much else going on. The script is a bit clumsy and the ending a little anti-climatic but who cares when the film itself is so much fun? Extra credit for getting some great bit-part roles from Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston and Roger Lloyd-Pack (Trigger from "Only Fools and Horses"!).

Excellent movie. made even better (for me) by recognising people in it from around London. It was shot in what (used to be at the time) was my local nightclub - heaven - and featured dancers such as Enzo, and Heavens' resident drag queen Kimberley.

Great sound track, fine storyline, very sexy lead characters, and a cheeky sense of humour. Look out for a pink prop in every single scene.