... Not only have I usually seen most of the “scary” scenes on such programmes as “The Top 100 Scariest Movies” type programmes but also because they’re older, the graphics just don’t live up to my life-like expectations.
The Wicker Man was released 10 years before I graced this Earth (in ... Read review
Extraordinarily literate and thoroughly compelling, The Wicker Man has often been called ... more
the Citizen Kane of horror movies. Writer Anthony Shaffer and director Robin Hardy built their contemporary (1973) English murder mystery/thriller upon gothic Druid underpinnings and wisely gave songwriter/composer Paul Giovanni (whose first and only film score this is) the freedom to create music of a piece. The score remains one of the most unusual in the entire genre: a collection of original, well-researched folk songs and instrumental underscore that evoke a rare, eerily discomfiting sense of displaced time and place; 70s folk-pop informed by ancient forces of nature and superstition. Long a holy grail among soundtrack aficionados, this lavishly packaged/annotated release has been prepared from recently discovered master tapes with a clarity and presence that gives the late Giovanni's haunting music the gratifying showcase it's so long deserved. --Jerry McCulley
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A novelization of the Anthony Shaffer script this is a tale of a Highlands policeman on ... more
the trail of a missing girl being lured to the remote Scottish island of Summerisle. As May Day approaches shamanistic and erotic events erupt around him. Was the girl a human sacrifice?
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Since its release in 1973, The Wicker Man has held an enduring fascination for audiences, ... more
commanding a devotion that most films can only dream of. A unique and bona fide horror masterpiece, the film can now be seen in its original theatrical version.When a young girl mysteriously disappears, Police Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) travels to a remote Scottish island to investigate. But this pastoral community, led by the strange Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee), is not what it seems as the devoutly religious detective soon uncovers a secret society of wanton lust and pagan blasphemy.Brilliantly scripted by Anthony Shaffer (Sleuth, Frenzy) and featuring an astounding performance by the legendary Christopher Lee, director Robin Hardy's atmospheric use of location, unsettling imagery and haunting soundtrack gradually builds to one of the most terrifying and iconic climaxes in modern cinema.
Corn Rigs Landlord's Daughter The Gently Johnny Maypole Fire Leap Tinker Of Rye ... more
The Willow's Song Procession Chop Chop Lullaby Festival / Mirie It Is / Sumer Is A-Cumen In Opening Music / Loving Couples / Ruined Church The Masks The / Hobby Horse The Searching For Rowan Appointment With the Wicker Man Sunset
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In this director's cut of the atmospheric adaptation of the 70s cult horror classic. ... more
Nicolas Cage (lord of wars) stars as Detective Edward Malus. A troubled man in search of the missing daughter of an old friend on the mysterious island of summersisle.The seemingly idyllic island off the mainland is home to a private community who lead a traditional pastoral life under the watchful eye of Matriarch sister Summersisle (Ellen Burstyn - The Exorcist). As Malus's quest for information pits him against the mistrusting locals and their baffling ancient traditions. He becomes immersed in an ever more perplexing mystery. Amidst claims that the girl never even existed. As his search for the truth reaches its horrifying climax. Malus discovers the sickening truth behind the community's belief system and is drawn inexorably nearer to the place where evil awaits.
Advantages: Unusual "horror" movie, unexpected ending, interesting Disadvantages: Its simply not scary enough for my liking!
...usually end up hiding behind the nearest pillow/cussion/arm/person/delete as appropriate. But for some reason or another I feel drawn to scaring myself sh*tless.
I guess its usually because a lot of horrors tend to be gory. And as I have a gruesome fascination….
You can fit the rest together yourselves.
It is because of this that I don’t usually bother watching older horror films. Not only have I usually ... ...but also because they’re older, the graphics just don’t live up to my life-like expectations.
The Wicker Man was released 10 years before I graced this Earth (in 1973). Normally I wouldn’t be in too much of a rush to see a film of this age. However, as I’ve been interested in witchcraft all of my life and have dabbled in such arts in the past, I thought I’d watch it to see just how far-fetched and un-lifelike this film was.
... more
Horror tends to be my favourite genre. I don’t know why. I usually end up hiding behind the nearest pillow/cussion/arm/person/delete as appropriate. But for some reason or another I feel drawn to scaring myself sh*tless.
I guess its usually because a lot of horrors tend to be gory. And as I have a gruesome fascination….
You can fit the rest together yourselves.
It is because of this that I don’t usually bother watching older horror films. Not only have I usually seen most of the “scary” scenes on such programmes as “The Top 100 Scariest Movies” type programmes but also because they’re older, the graphics just don’t live up to my life-like expectations.
The Wicker Man was released 10 years before I graced this Earth (in 1973). Normally I wouldn’t be in too much of a rush to see a film of this age. However, as I’ve been interested in witchcraft all of my life and have dabbled in such arts in the past, I thought I’d watch it to see just how far-fetched and un-lifelike this film was.
It was shown on TV a couple of months back. I’ve been meaning to review it ever since but you know how it is, real life takes over and review writing gets postponed. Still, better late than never!
To some, The Wicker Man represents one of the best horror films of all times. To others it is merely the best British horror film. I figured it must be at least pretty good to be viewed so highly. Whether it lived up to my (high) expectations or not is irrelevant in this part of the review.
For those who don’t know, here’s some background information.
The Wicker Man is based on a remote island, Summerisle. It is of course fictional but it was filmed on the West Coast of Scotland. http://www.scotlandthemovie.com/movies/fwickerman.html This island is extremely secluded. Transport to and from the island is in the form of plane or boat so they don’t get many visitors. The island is owned by Lord Summerville. He has a house on the island which is, shall we say, different!
At this point, the mainlanders know very little about the inhibitors of Summerisle. There are of course rumours about them but that is all they are – rumours. As its difficult to access and not many people visit the island, no know knows much about the place.
It is only when the Police on the mainland hear of a girl (Rowan Morrison) going missing on Summerisle that they send an Officer over to investigate the disappearance. It is at this point that the police realise all is not quite as it seems on Summerisle. When the Officer goes to meet Lord Summerisle at his house (which is surrounded by phallic-shaped hedges), the Officer soon realises that the rumours may well in fact have some truth to them. Namely, the inhabitants of Summerisle were different to those on the mainland.
The locals remain uncooperative as regards to Rowan’s disappearance. Sergeant Howie finds it difficult to get any sense out of the locals, never mind any leads. He resorts to researching the island and the locals in books found in the library. It is only through reading these books that he learns about the May Day Festival. It seems the Summerisle inhabitants follow the Pagan religion. He reads about this Festival and realises that many people following this religion take part in ritual sacrifice. He puts two and two together and comes to the conclusion that the locals are planning to sacrifice Rowan.
In amongst some group sex and other rituals, he plots a cunning plan to save Rowan from this fateful end.
The question is. Does he succeed in saving her?
You’ll just have to watch to find out! This film is the type that would be ruined completely if I told you how it ended so I’ll refrain.
On the whole, this film was more interesting than scary. In fact it didn’t scare me at all. It isn’t particularly gory and it doesn’t make you jump. It doesn’t have you hiding behind the nearest pillow/cushion/arm/person (delete as appropriate). So, for a horror, I must admit to being disappointed. It just didn’t “do it” for me. Having said that, for a film, it was interesting. (And like I say, its unusual too).
Like I said earlier, I have dabbled in Paganism/Wicca/Witchcraft in the past. I must say, this film is largely based on fiction. Widespread and regular ritual sacrifice of children (and indeed anyone/thing) is not common.
I wouldn’t bother watching this film again I don’t think. As I now know the ending it will ruin the whole film (hence me not saying how it ends in this op).
The film, on the whole, was eerie and when you consider that there is truth in the film (i.e. ritual sacrifice has and does still occur, just not all that often thankfully). It’s more unsettling than scary though.
The acting is of a high standard in this film in my opinion, the Sergeant (Edward Woodward) plays a brilliant part. He appears genuinely uncomfortable with the activities of the islands’ inhabitants.
The music was very much centred around the music you’d expect to find on such an island – i.e. folk songs. I couldn’t tell you what the songs were called or who they were by other than the traditional May Pole song that is often sung on May Day.
This film could easily offend some people as it is deemed as being the first of its kind in many ways. It advertises sexual promiscuity, ritual sacrifice and deceipt. Having said that, the final scene does involve scenes of animals being part of the sacrifice with the fateful Wicker Man. As I am a HUGE animal lover and absolutely abide any kind of animal cruelty, this film, although unsettling, did not offend me. However, I just thought I’d warn those of you who may be likely to be offended by such a film.
--------------------------------- Where can I get a copy? ---------------------------------
As this film is 21 years old now you may not be able to pick it up all that easily. However, Amazon.co.uk stock it currently. You can get the DVD for £7.97. I’ve never seen this though so I couldn’t tell you what extra features you get (if any).
-------------------------- ~ The after effect ~ --------------------------
As previously mentioned, this film is now deemed as a cult. The film has its own fan club and its own followers.
There is also a real-life Wicker Man Festival held in Scotland which is deemed as being “Scotland's Alternative Music, Dance and Arts Festival”and “Fun, Fire and Freedom” (Tickets are available for £30 (day ticket) or £40 (advanced weekend ticket including camping!) – NB. I’ve never been. I simply found this on http://www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk
--------------------- ~ Further info ~ ---------------------
A comprehensive guide to the film (from start to finish) can be found here: http://www.tylwythteg.com/WICKERMAN/WickerMan.html
Advantages: Unexpected ending, tension, music Disadvantages: Disturbing
The Wicker Man
Directed by Robin Hardy
Writing Credits Anthony Shaffer
Running time: 102 mins
Released 1973 Music composed by: Paul Giovanni Music performed by: Magnet Cast:: Edward Woodward: Sergeant Neil Howie
Christopher Lee: Lord Summerisle
Britt Ekland: Willow
Introduction
The Wicker Man is a triumph of British Horror. It is internationally regarded as one of the best horror films of all time and has been an influential film for many ... ...and sexual promiscuity. The horror of the film is presented and achieved through a variety of techniques that combine to achieve a discomforting effect throughout the film building up to the climax at the end when the Sergeant keeps his horrifying appointment with the Wicker man. The Setting
The film is set on the remote island of Summerisle on the West Coast of Scotland. It is isolated surrounded by water and can only be reached by plane or boat.
...
MAFARRIMOND 15.05.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Wicker Man (Special Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: I am glad I've seen it Disadvantages: I felt let down by all but the ending - which in itself is rather unpleasant
...had always been intrigued by The Wicker Man. It was variously known as a cult film, one of the scariest films of our time, and a film with one of the most surprising and shocking endings imaginable. Despite having heard so much about it, I had managed to find out little else about the film and was only vaguely aware that its subject matter had something to do with paganism.
The film stars Edward Woodward as Sergeant Neil Howie, a god-fearing policeman ... ...letter from a resident of the remote island of Summerisle, informing him of the disappearance of a local schoolgirl, Rowan Morrison, who is believed to have vanished under mysterious circumstances. Sergeant Howie sets off to Summerisle to investigate the disappearance.
He is met by a strange, unwelcoming community, and it soon becomes clear that the island’s residents subscribe to a sinister religion, worshipping the gods of nature and fertility. ...
Pumpkin 17.12.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Wicker Man (Special Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: Great film, really tense, good ending Disadvantages: No action, if you like that sort of thing.
...film, but if I got the chance (it’s a hard one to find) I would most definitely watch it over again.
This is a complex film, perhaps more of a thriller than a true horror, since there is no supernatural element in it. But the sense of dread and foreboding which it builds up is excellent, the twist in its tail totally unexpected and the messages and issues which the film deals with are clear.
Edward Woodward arrives on a small island investigating ... ...grow suspicious. His portrayal of the devour Presbyterian policeman is excellent, characterised by prudish behaviour and suspicion, especially when he finds out that the folk of the island are Pagans. He comes to the natural conclusion that the girl has a been a victim of some kind of sacrifice, but can still get nothing out of the locals, especially not the mysterious and thoroughly nonchalant Christopher Lee as Lord Summerisle. Thentension is built ...
Spongly 19.03.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Wicker Man (Special Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: An intelligent and literate chiller Disadvantages: That the film has been so butchered down the years
The Wicker Man has a truly magical quality, and I've enjoyed introducing people to it down the years. To see people turn around at the end, eyes wide with astonishment, a slightly crooked smile, and to hear them croakily admit "That was amazing", is worth the hundreds of times I've seen Robin Hardy's brilliant 1973 take on the horror genre.
To think, the film puts so many obsticals in the way of a jaded modern viewer of horror. It has a folk soundtrack ... ...wordy and character driven, and the horror is minimal, instead relying on a slow build up of tension until the dread overwhelms you, and then comes the climax...and it still turns me white, and sends chills across my body. Every. Single. Time.
That I should even of seen the film is a miracle considering it's history. The chain of events that lead to The Wicker Man's cult, rather than commercial success is amazing in itself. Put into production hastily ...
dadmancat 09.02.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Wicker Man (Special Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: Disturbing, Erotic and Picturesque, as well as having some great music Disadvantages: Some rather dodgy acting in places
The Wicker Man is a 1970's cult classic about the small Scottish island of Summerisle. It features the confrontation of a classical Christian doctrine with a more ritualistic, animal, pagan one that never gets named. It does so with almost comedic folk music and a smattering of tits. It's got my vote already. Our hero, a police officer called Sargent Howie, is sent to the island of Summerisle after receiving an anonymous letter claiming that a 13 ... ...helpful, and is confused by the fact that nobody seems to have heard of the girl. He finds the girl's supposed mother, but she too tells him she's never heard of the girl. His investigations lead him round the village, discovering more about the inhabitants' strange religious and social practices as he goes. As a staunch Christian, he is disgusted by the liberated and relaxed attitude of the women, including one very erotic but disturbing dance scene ...
Xamis 09.12.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Wicker Man (Special Edition) (DVD)
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Advantages: An amazing re-release of a classic Disadvantages: None
Oh what a wonderful day; after a stressful day at work I returned home to discover a small suspect parcel on my doorstep. I opened the package to get the biggest thrill of the month; inside my package was the new WickerMan 3 Disc Collectors EditionDVD, something I never even knew was due for release.
The case is beautiful, a lovely shiny colour with an image from the movie emblazoned on the cover. The case is a high quality plastic/cardboard design. Inside the box is not one but three discs. Disc 1 features the original theatrical release from 1974; with the original trailer. Disc 2 has the restored version or directors cut from the 2001 release, also contained an audio commentary from Christoper Lee, Edward Woodwood, and Robin Hardy. Also on Disc 2 is a documentary "The WickerMan Phenomenon" with a 30 minute runtime and The Cult ...
Advantages: The best "musical" I have ever seen Disadvantages: None at all
No you're not going do-lally, neither am I! Yes you may have read this before, however Ciao when initially listing this product entered some detail incorrectly, and have now deleted that item along with my review. So now I am re-listing the review with a few changes.
Oh what a wonderful day; after a stressful day at work I returned home to discover a small suspect parcel on my doorstep. I opened the package to get the biggest thrill of the month; inside my package was the new WickerMan 3 Disc Collectors EditionDVD, something I never even knew was due for release.
The case is beautiful, a lovely shiny colour with an image from the movie emblazoned on the cover. The case is a high quality plastic/cardboard design. Inside the box is not one but three discs. Disc 1 features the original theatrical release from 1974; with the original ...
Documentary - 1. THE WICKER MAN ENIGMA (35 mins), Interview - 1. Christopher Lee - Star (25 mins), Trailer - 1. Original Theatrical, 2. TV Spots, 3. Radio Spots, Biographies - 1. Cast & Crew, Original Theatrical Press Brochure
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
DVD Description
This controversial British cult classic, considered by its producer upon completion to be one of the worst films ever made, has been little seen since its brief theatrical release even though it is now regarded as a classic of British cinema. Edward Woodward stars as Sergeant Howie, a police officer sent to Summerisle, a secluded island off the coast of Scotland, to investigate the disappearance of a young girl named Rowan. When he arrives there, he finds a very tight knit community, one mistrustful and hostile to outsiders--none of them seem willing to even acknowledge the disappearance of young Rowan. Soon Howie begins to realise that the town belongs to some sort of pagan cult, one given to unbridled sexuality and possibly human sacrifice. Seeking an audience with the oddly civilised Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee), Howie hopes to get to the bottom of the mystery, but instead finds something more shocking than he could have ever imagined. A true cult classic that paints a disturbing portrait of an almost prehistoric, multi-deity worshipping society given to Bacchanalian excess and bizarre rituals, THE WICKER MAN is a truly unsettling experience. Erotic and mysterious, the film evokes the primal urges that underlay modern society through its unforgettable imagery and story.
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