CUBE (1997) Review
Written by: BlackTequilaKiss
A movie after my own heart. For those who know me, you still don’t know me very well. Why? Because I rank this higher than many movies for what it brings to the screen, I also put this film on the same pedestal as Hellraiser and Candyman. This is a movie with no limits and a damn sight more imagination than Hollywood has been able to produce of late. This IS a thing of beauty.
This will always be a movie that tugs at my heartstrings.
Storyline
Six unique people, each from a different walk of life and all strangers to one another, awaken to find themselves trapped inside a large cube with thousands upon thousands of rooms. As they all bad together and subsequently become closer they all realise they each have a unique attribute which can aid them into figuring their way out of the seemingly impenetrable prison. With answers alluding them they must find a way out before they are lost in the complex system forever.
Classy movie! The characters are brilliant and the storyline is actually original.
The first time I saw this it left a deep impression on me so finding the DVD was the holy grail I had been searching for. Watching it again as only confirmed why I gained an affection for this in the first place.
Cast/ Characters
Leaven played by Nicole De Boer-
I adore this girl. I have seen so many negative reviews online for the acting aspect of the film and think it is unfairly unjust. The most innocent of the characters I love her strong mind and the intellect of her counterpart. The first time with her role Boer slowly eases into the dimension of her character and as time gets on she becomes stronger for it. I had honestly hoped she would get to safe passage so was saddened at her final scene. A young actress at the time but an excellently coerced performance.
Worth by David Hewlett -
I am sorry but I love Hewlett! Since this movie he as starred in a TV show I adore namely, Stargate Atlantis and I think he is an actor with a great range of diversity. I love him as much in this. The quiet role he plays is wonderful. He’s unique, odd and such a wonderful actor much more deserved of acclaim than he gets. I love you Hewlett!!
This is a film with only 7 actors in (one dead pretty much straight away) therefore the character observations are fantastic to watch. Of course the chemistry is quickly advertised as you can see how such different minds really can work together when they are caught in a situation out of there control. I absolutely am passionate in my feelings about the actors and love the performances as an whole.
Music
Suspenseful and dark, it is a wonderful compliment to such a low budget film that it works the scenes to the hilt, to the maximum. Respect to everyone on this film for their part imbued.
Direction/ Cinematic
Utmost regards to Vincenzo Natali and André Bijelic.
André for his excellent writing for this movie and Vincenzo for his directing to the absolute best. As a team they are remarkable and I love where they took this movie and the questions they ask us to think about. I love the use of the dark overtones amid the cube, the direction of light and dark as they merge seemingly together. Everything, just EVERYTHING works in this.
The traps -laughs- I think I realised where SAW might have got some of their inspiration from. At a time when special effects were not cutting edge, this is FANTASTIC. The gore is not that outrageous which is just as well as this is a movie designed to get the old noggin thinking and that, THAT is the genius within it all.
End of the day this is a movie with more than just special F/X going for it. It is intelligent, defining for the time and a clever little thriller with a apt ending. It isn’t whimsical or hokey-pokey. It does offer hope though.
A very smart ending that although stark, grim will in the final reel leave a smile over your lips.
If you haven’t watched it, I am surprised but please go ahead and do so, you will love it. There are too many elements for you not to.
Excellent little low-budget Canadian film that shocks, surprises and remains entertaining 21 years on.
Fantastic, 8 out of 10 easily!