How many here, have actually seen...?

[cheebacheeba]

A Serbian Film?

It's viewed as pretty controversial on account of some of the content, implied or otherwise - to the point there seems to be a large portion of people completely unwilling to even watch it.

I saw it a year or two back, downloaded - far as I know it's not available for purchase here.

Now, it's disturbing, a little sickening, but also quite chilling and gruesome in both the ideas raised, and the overall storyline and motivation of the "villains" and how/why they set things up.
I thought it was very atmospheric, and an actually horrific film, I actually don't see that very much.

The plot wasn't overly strong, but serviceable.
But yeah overall the mood, the score, the atmosphere, and the lasting impression this film left with me immediately after watching and even now a couple of years later, makes it a rather big accomplishment in my book. It made me feel icky.
It ticks all the boxes for me for what I want in horror quite well though.

For those that haven't seen it on account of the content they've heard about.
We all know what it was, no need to bring it up.
All I can say is that content is more implied that anything, with a very brief flash of something that looks quite unrealistic.
I feel like this scene was purely added for shock value and to be talked about...so they succeeded there, but maybe also turned a few people from their creation with it. I'll just say, they don't linger on the scene and it only really serves a feeling of malice towards the villains.
My suggestion is check the movie out all the same.
I say this, knowing that I haven't wanted to watch it since...very few movies effect me this way, but I feel like therein lies some of the value of the experience.


So how many people here have seen it? Your thoughts?
Thoughts from those who haven't/wont?

For my take, I find things like cannibal holocaust with the animal deaths etc a little more disturbing.
Both, but one more than the other.

[hammerfan]

I have not seen it. Mostly, I don't go for movies that are disturbing. Same with slasher films. Not my cup of tea. I guess you could say I'm old school. I prefer "monsters" like Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, Frankenstein, etc.

[horcrux2007]

I didn't think it was very disturbing. It just had some shocking scenes. I thought Inside was much more disturbing than this because it was consistently gritty and had such a thick atmosphere, not to mention the whole pregnancy thing, that it had a really lasting effect on me. Although it was well made, I would never watch it again.

[Repo'd]

Yep, I've seen it.

Hard to watch at times but always powerful and done with a ton of energy.

I dont suggest this film to ANYONE, but it has nothing to do with the quality. I liked the movie and thought it showed the filmmakers talents in myriad ways, but the subject matter is far from what many horror fans are looking for in a movie. This is a study (often a condemnation) of Serbian politics, family dynamics in the embattled country and the pornographic film industry. Again, not the usual tropes and themes one comes across in the average thriller chiller. These themes are slammed into your face through some of the most hyper-shit relentless scenes I've seen on film and I have to say, it can be very impressive in it's breathless need to show you how much pain a people and a land can suffer. It's filled with broad metaphors, packed with hard visuals and in my opinion, it succeeds in making the viewer uncomfortable for all the right reasons.

I think A Serbian Film is a bold effort and a very good, visceral bit of filmmaking. I also think it would offend 9 out of 10 audience members so...if u have an open mind and can appreciate a strong message delivered in some difficult ways, give it a try. Yes, I did have to question the writer and directors approach a time or two, because frankly, some of what is shown or implied here is enough to make a person nauseous, but it never felt exploitative in any way to me. It just felt filthy, and painful and depressing and heart breaking to me..and I have to cheer for any artist whose work can make me feel these things and feel them deeply, while giving us a look at a life and a world we aren't usually exposed to, and dont want to be!

That said, DONT WATCH IT! Honestly, this flick is NOT for everybody, or even for...well, almost anybody, LOL. The movie makes us look at some incredibly difficult subjects and does so with a purpose, and in the process of doing so, they lay a lot of heavy sh"t on the audience. If you are up for it, have a watch,,,but remember, I told you to STAY AWAY!!

[The Bloofer Lady]

I can pretty well echo hammer's sentiment except that I don't mind slasher films from the 80's. Its like that old saying "You can't un-ring a bell". And you can't "un-see" these movies so I'd rather just not watch it. I used to always think "Christ, what if that happened to my child or grandchild". I just couldn't stop thinking about it. And that's just from reading bits and bobs about these movies online!

[hammerfan]

Originally Posted by The Bloofer Lady

I can pretty well echo hammer's sentiment except that I don't mind slasher films from the 80's. Its like that old saying "You can't un-ring a bell". And you can't "un-see" these movies so I'd rather just not watch it. I used to always think "Christ, what if that happened to my child or grandchild". I just couldn't stop thinking about it. And that's just from reading bits and bobs about these movies online!

I'll have to revise my statement about slasher films - I do like the films from the 80s....just not the recent ones. Like Hostel, Saw, etc.

[roshiq]

Agree with cheeba & Repo, liked it too. A well handled cruel trip to the extreme human deprivation, helplessness & pain; a total uncomfortable experience of horror that possibly deeply embedded in each & every modern society. I've seen it only once and definitely won't mind to revisit it in the future.

[TheBossInTheWall]

I haven't seen it, haven't read much about it besides its a popular film for people who like horror films. Its i'm my list to get to see eventually, no other reason why not. I have the sense its torture porn, but might be better than that. Shrug. Eventually...

[Baron Von Marlon]

Haven't seen it. Just can't be bothered with it.

Originally Posted by hammerfan

I'll have to revise my statement about slasher films - I do like the films from the 80s....just not the recent ones. Like Hostel, Saw, etc.

I wouldn't call Hostel and Saw slasher films. They're just bloody.

Hatchet comes to mind. Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon.
And Dude Bro Party Massacre 3. You should check out the last one.
You might like it.

[TheBossInTheWall]

Originally Posted by Repo'd

That said, DONT WATCH IT! Honestly, this flick is NOT for everybody, or even for...well, almost anybody, LOL. The movie makes us look at some incredibly difficult subjects and does so with a purpose, and in the process of doing so, they lay a lot of heavy sh"t on the audience. If you are up for it, have a watch,,,but remember, I told you to STAY AWAY!!

For me that's even more of a reason to watch, so I don't stay in a bubble. Reminds me I also need to see Martyrs. Sometimes I need to feel disturbed and horrified by real things. Fantastical horror movies do not make me feel that way, generally. Its more often something like the rape scene in Boys Don't Cry that fucks with my head. Or how emotionally and mentally exhausting Inland Empire is.

Also I think its probably why usually I do not like films pre 1970. The might be about hard subjects, but they way they are presented is too distant from the reality. I rarely experience it.