Badlands

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Iain M This is a stone cold masterpiece. The cinematography is stunning. Images from this film will stay with you for a lifetime. The performances are complex and nuanced. Sheen is weirdly charming as the psychopathic killer on the run. But on rewatching, I’m struck by how mesmeric Spacek is as his companion: reserved, romantic but passionless, self-deluding and indifferent to the mayhem that explodes around her. A enigma of a girl. The use of music (everything from Carl Off to late 1950s pop) is inspired. A visionary film. However, it is a deeply disturbing piece. Violence becomes the gateway to celebrity in this unsparing vision of America. In many ways it exposes not the banality of evil, but its vapidity. Chilling and unforgettable. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/11/25 Full Review RELICftw X Ego, boredom, and romance make for a dangerous combination. This movie represents unhinged teenage angst in its entirety - and what happens when a young man in need of attention stays unseen for far too long. Terrence Malick, through stark imagery and fleeting snippets of life in the American Midwest, perfectly captures the emptiness of the two main characters' hearts and their longing for fulfilment. The dangerous pair take us on chilling road trip, chasing after an impossible ideal born from loneliness, attraction and the spur of the moment. Prepare to feel the rush of connection, and pain of disconnection, vicariously through Kit and Holly's story. A movie that will stick with you. A personal 5/5 for me, though be warned: if you're not a fan of Malick's distinct, meditative pacing and detached storytelling, your experience may differ. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/09/25 Full Review Benjamin H With solid lead performances, stunning cinematography and a classy display of visual poetry, Terrence Malick's first film Badlands stands on its own feet, even though its narrative and character developmen lacks proper substance and many key moments within the film lacks emotional punch. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/06/25 Full Review Stephen C 1 hour and 35 minutes of successful crime drama. Ages 17 and older!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starring a young Martin Sheen as Kit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/09/25 Full Review Kenneth L As a Terrence Malick fan, I enjoyed watching this as it was his first film, and it shows a lot of ideas that will become his trademarks. One it's own, it was worth watching, but it has definitely aged. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/03/25 Full Review Isa B The opening gets right to the point in Badlands as Terrence Malick keeps it short and sweet. I absolutely love the brown and white cinematography around 53:18. The camera work is excellent for the entire film. Malick had incredible vision, especially for his first film. He was in his late 20s when he made this picture. To begin your career with a period piece like this is really something. The acting of Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek is incredible. Badlands is a great film and I do recommend. 94/100 Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/02/24 Full Review Read all reviews

Badlands

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