Brimstone

While Brimstone would register to most, as a Western (and for the most part it is), the horror elements cannot be denied. The gruesome kills and vicious shark-like nature of this movies protagonist, played terrifyingly well, by Guy Pearce, will keep you glued to your screen, even with the long run time of 2hrs plus.

Dakota Fanning is at the top of her game here, in a role that requires her to show, not tell. She and Guy Pearce are the main reasons why Brimstone is as good as it is, while young actress, Emilia Jones, also delivers.

It's a slow burn, so for those with a lack of patience, this movie might seem tedious, but for myself , the performances, the unexpected brutality and the strength and tenaciousness of our heroine Liz, makes Brimstone a must see.

If you enjoyed, Bone Tomahawk, you'll find a lot to like about Brimstone.

"Brimstone" is one film that arises emotion and stays in the viewer. The long and realistic story is one of the gloomiest, most depressing, cruel and unfair without redemption ever written. However, let me make clear that the film is excellent and the viewer shall not give up watching in the beginning. The screenplay divided in four parts - Revelation, Exodus, Genesis and Retribution - is perfect, disclosing the non-chronological saga of the protagonist Liz / Joanna. The cast is magnificent, with Guy Pearce representing the personification of evil and Dakota Fanning difficult to be recognized in the role of a "cursed" woman, supported by Carice van Houten and Kit Harington. The locations, costumes and cinematography are top notch and the haunting music score is also magnificent. The only question that remains is how might be the heart of someone that writes such a story? My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Amaldiçoada" ("Cursed")

Not an easy film to watch, but well worth the effort if you can stomach all the hardships our infinitely sympathetic lead has to endure.

One catastrophe after another befalls poor Dakota Fanning, mainly thanks to ONE OF THE WORST HUMAN BEINGS EVER TO WALK THE FACE OF THE PLANET (Guy Pierce doing a top notch job) and the inherit sexism of the 19th century.

Yep, this is the kind of downright despicable depravity you won't see on those Sunday afternoon Westerns your grandpappy falls asleep to. If you like the typically sanitised Cowboys vs Indians in a romanticised setting, this ain't for you.

On the other hand, if you fancy being dragged through seven shades of hell before emerging to blink on the other side feeling every emotion possible... then saddle up, pardner. Have I got the movie for you.

My advice is don't watch this before bed because you probably won't sleep, but if you do sleep, expect nightmares! You think I'm joking, I'm not!! After saying that you'd expect a bad review but to be honest I thought this was a great film with a fantastic story, it's just very hard to watch.

What can I tell you other than you won't find it an enjoyable experience because it's deeply unsettling, disturbing, brutal and savage, but it's still an extraordinarily gripping film and Dakota Fanning especially is mesmerising.

I didn't watch a trailer before embarking on this journey into hell but I had read a couple of reviews but it still didn't prepare me for what was to come, so be warned! Saying that don't think there is gore and brutality thrown about simply as a shock factor. It's all very relative to the story, and one very twisted character which makes it so immersive and powerful.

An excellently made film and a gripping tale expertly told, incredibly acted out by a great cast.

It is interesting to see the shear amount of negative reviews here, while I think this movie portrays a very realistic scenario in a lawless US at that time. It still portrays a realistic scenario in some parts of the world today. Its unrelenting violence and utter hopelessness reminds me a lot of a famous novel by Kosinski: the painted bird.

If you came here to see your typical 100 in a dozen Hollywood happy ending movies, better move on to something different. Seriously. This movie will make you sad, hopeless and angry at the same time.

If you want to descent into the dark part of human-kind, here on full display in all its naked ugliness, go see it. It's masterful in my opinion.