Bob W
This is a movie with a long and complicated history and multiple versions but this is the "Goldilocks" cut made after a negative was discovered against all odds. Not exactly a horror film -- unless you're very easily scared -- but one of the greatest dark thrillers of all time. Perfect performances from the great Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee. Stay, far, far, far away from the egregious Neil Labute remake with Nicholas Cage at least until you see this. If you do decide to see the other for a giggle, prepare to be appalled at how outrageously that version completely misses the point of the material.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
09/22/23
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Audience Member
Slow burning until its shocking end, The Wicker Man provides subtle (and some not so subtle) illuminations on religion, religious intolerance, and man's relationship with faith. Edward Woodward gives a fine performance as a devout, strict Christian copper investigating a disappearance in a community of pagans. Woodward disapproves and even looks down upon, somewhat undeservedly at first, of practices outside his own faith. His own personal faith is tested by the trials that beset him, pitting him against a community he does not wish to know, but seeks to understand. He uncovers a power structure that allows his foe, a lyrical, suave Christopher Lee, to sway a community to its knees with beliefs in iconoclastic and natural forces, the very same forces that gave rise to Woodward's own religious faith. This conflict is not just personal, but spiritual, and philosophical in its examination of the power of different beliefs over the lives of very different people.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
01/15/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Really not sure what to make is this cult horror classic. Definitely wierd.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/22/23
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Audience Member
An absurd and oddly charming thriller that's very easily predicted and will be lost for many, but what Hardy ahcieves with his film is conveying the utter lust and greed of man for/against nature, with props to both Woodward and Lee who both give frighteningly stark and polar emotional performances. The cinematography still looks fantastic and the edge of the climax is still as strong as it was presumably in 1973, hitting hard with a shocking finale.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/03/23
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Audience Member
Quite audacious for the time it came out, this creepy cult classic should be remembered for the intelligent questions that it raises about religious intolerance and blind faith, with an also memorable performance by Christopher Lee and a terrifying, unforgettable ending.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/14/23
Full Review
Audience Member
The Wicker Man contains a certain unique brand of British horror and it was good to finally see this final cut. One thing I had forgotten was how good the folk soundtrack is.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/21/23
Full Review
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