Martyrs Review
Written by: Vamp_Slayer
“Warning: this movie contains scenes of violence and horror that may provoke feelings of disgust, repulsion and fear.” This is what I read on the top of the DVD case as I picked it up, and I have to comment, it does give the viewer a very fair warning. I have finally decided to review this film. Going into it I really had no idea what to expect from it as all I knew about it was from the synopsis which explains the first 15 minutes of the film. After that happened I really had no clue about what it was about. Yes, I knew it dealt with pain and suffering, but I don’t know if I was quite prepared for what came next. Martyrs is a different film, a good different. I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like it, to compare it to Hostel and other torture films like that would be a disservice to it, for its much deeper and has an intriguing and more disturbing storyline.
When Lucie was 12 she was kept in confinement, strapped in chains and punished and abused. When she finally escapes she meets a friend, Anna, during her recovery and they become very close friends. However Lucie is haunted by memories and decides to take revenge on the family who did it all to her. Thus starts the bloody madness that follow, which will surely leave the viewer shocked.
I know many of you have heard how gory and violent this film is, reviewers raving how over the top the film is. Do not think this film isn’t, it is very very violent and deeply disturbing, but the disturbances are not all from what you see, it’s the whole story, the underlying theme and the breakdown that the characters endure that is more disturbing than any of the gore that is shown. The film is brutal, perhaps one of the most brutal films I have seen, I’ve certainly seen bloodier, but this film really disturbs the viewer. I didn’t actually know if I could watch this film a second time until a few days later when I decided to show it to a friend. But let it be clear, do not go in expecting the most violent gore fest of our lifetime, it will only hinder your perception of the movie as you watch it. A lot of it is psychological disturbances.
The acting is really great. The lead actresses really do portray their desperation, fear and panic very well. Without this great acting the movie would not be as effective, it comes across as very real. This isn’t a movie you can just sit down and watch with anyone though. They really should be able to handle graphic violence and should like horror films. It’s just not an easy one to watch. The film also doesn’t really skimp on frights. Not only are some of the actions of the characters (including the leads) frightening to witness, but there are a few moments that will either make your skin crawl or have you white knuckled. Although the film doesn’t exactly seem to be aimed at making you scared as it does try to disturb you with physical and mental torture.
Martyrs is not enjoyable to watch. That’s really what it comes done to. If you’re looking for fun horror, I beg you to look elsewhere. The film isn’t enjoyable; it is however captivating and thought provoking and very well done, accomplishing exactly what it sets out to do. I can’t guarantee it’s replay value as it’s not a movie you can watch over and over and over, that would make it lose it’s impact. I do think it is a film to be watched, not by everyone, and maybe not even by all horror fans, but there is something deeper than it’s blood and violence that makes the film stand out above other “torture” flicks. Again don’t go in with expectations that are too high for the level of violence, but don’t completely let your guard done, the film is likely to repulse you.