Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

Acting:		Partying:		Girls:
Blood:		Language:		Gore:
Violence:		Humor:		Sexuality:
Torture:		Predictability:		Overall:

Exploitation films walk a fine line between complete sadistic trash to amazing works of artistic imagery. Directors already know that they have crossed the line in terms of what is appropriate or socially acceptable for everyday film goers, and it's true, most films, such as I Spit on Your Grave and Last House on the Left, do come across as a bit overbearing in terms of rape, torture, and murder, but who's to say that a directors art is completely lost within itself as a result of its controversial subject matter? It all really depends on the director's way of presenting this subject matter. I believe that Wes Craven got it right with Last House on the Left. It's a remarkable film in terms of its unique presentation of rape, revenge, and remorse. It's overbearing, yes, but still altogether thought provoking and an important staple in horror film history.

Enter Cannibal Holocaust. It's the film that has been banned in many countries all across Europe and has seen the light of many different versions and edits. Your local mondo video store owner will call it a classic, and so will I. Watch in alone and come to your own conclusions, but this film is a masterpiece and I have yet to see (or give me recommendations) of a better exploitation film out there today.

The first five minutes of Cannibal Holocaust can basically sum up the major premise behind the film. As mankind (at least in the states) embarks on the 21st century, it is now easier to recognize the fact that human beings can achieve nearly anything, and nothing should ever be deemed impossible. Still, there are many people who are blind to the fact that there are still civilizations in the world today that live in the stone age and practice cannibalism. Awesome! Right? You want to know more? Because Cannibal Holocaust is about to show you what it's like to live in the Stone Age, but that's not all, not even close. The film will show us a smaller taste of life as we know it in New York City. A place filled with the latest technology, fashions, and industry. Then, we are given a larger perspective on the culture and habits of more than just one different tribe of cannibals. Although, it seems like these two contrasting cultures could not be any farther apart geographically and intellectually, Ruggero Deodato (director) and Gianfranco Clerici (story) invite you to take a closer look. It is absolutely gut-wrenching to think that our capitalistic form of society and our more intellectual frames of mind could be compared to those of savages in a far away jungle. Now, Cannibal Holocaust doesn't necessarily jump out at you just to say that the world is every man for himself no matter where you go, either. ...

continue reading...