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Irreversible (DVD) (Collector's Edition) (Subtitled) [2003]
![Irreversible (DVD) (Collector's Edition) (Subtitled) [2003]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51yJxoWJKLL._SL160_.jpg)
Each scenario depicts actions, dialogue, incident, behaviour and circumstance that the lead characters might have wished didn't happen, ranging from extreme violence through awkward social situations to mild embarrassment. The central character (and possible dreamer of this whole what-if story) emerges as Alex (Monica Bellucci), who suffers the worst in a very hard-to-watch rape sequence in an underpass. Semi-improvised, the scenes all have attack and power as themes, with later/earlier conversational sequences that suggest life isn't all sexual assaults in the dark, showing equal cinematic imagination with the horrors. Arguably, this is not a film most would subject themselves to twice, but it is something that stays in the mind for days after viewing, sparking far more ideas and emotions than most wallow-in-nastiness pictures. --Kim Newman
RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £19.99 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Irreversible begins with the closing credits running backwards before the film begins (or ends) with Marcus (Vincent Cassell) and Pierre (Albert Dupontel) being escorted out of a gay s/m club by the cops, Marcus with his arm broken and Pierre in handcuffs. The "story" proceeds to unwind in a series of single-take scenes that unfold Memento-style, with each scene giving more context to what we have seen previously.
BRILLIANT, DISTURBING AND SHOCKING
Review date: 2008-11-29 Rating: 10 out of 10
IRREVERSIBLE is yet another shocking and brilliant film by French film maker Gaspar Noé who brought us the excellent I STAND ALONE.
This film is played backwards - as the title suggests - and we see the finale first, before the story unfolds. Brilliant acting by ALL the cast and brilliant directing make this film GREAT.
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Reviews
In reply to 'Pointless'?!?
Review date: 2008-10-28 Rating: 10 out of 10
By playing in reverse, you have a very shallow reservoir of emotion to attach to any character in the film. The first, early, act of violence is shocking but it occurs without any emotional consequence to the viewer - who the hell was that guy anyway?
As the film plays out, twists appear, characters form and so does your appreciation of the bond between the two leads, Belucci and Cassel. As you awaken to their bond towards the end of the film, all that has occured in it descends on you until you find yourself exhausted.
The film leaves you empty and black, that is its purpose.
It deserves 5 Stars simply because it is one of the most affecting films I have ever seen. It's outstanding.
Who gets killed?
Review date: 2008-10-06 Rating: 10 out of 10
The fire extinguisher in the face scene is the most violent scene I have seen in some time. However, watching the film for a second time I noticed that after the victim's skull is crushed the camera moves out and we see the rapist watching! The sticking plaster on his nose is the giveaway. Another layer to this thought provoking film...
Pointless
Review date: 2008-03-24 Rating: 2 out of 10
This is as black and empty a movie as one is likely to see. I really would not recommend it even if you are a fan of MB or VC.
The fulcrum of the plot is a nasty and violent rape scene. It left me asking: why? Why bother? What was the point of building a film around that. The film leaves a lot of unanswered questions, but not in an intriguing way, just in an irritating way (for example: what happened to Alex afterwards? What was the basis of her relationship with Marcel? etc.)
The very clever camera-work and the mood of the movie are no excuse for a lack of a strong plot.
I definitely would not recommend it.
profoundly disturbing
Review date: 2008-03-18 Rating: 8 out of 10
It just doesn't stop. The rape scene in Gaspar Noe's reverse-chronological-order film is so hard to watch because the camera never grants us the mercy of cutting away. There is no solace, no reprieve; instead, we're forced to watch as Monica Belluci is brutally raped in one seemingly unending, steady take.
To this day I can't think about Irreversible without cringing, and I saw it 6 years ago. That speaks volumes to how profoundly disturbing it is. That said, I can't possibly give this film a negative rating, as it accomplished its goal with a brutality that's not soon forgotten.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Albert Dupontel
Jo Prestia
Philippe Nahon
Monica Bellucci
Vincent Cassel
Creators:
Monica Bellucci (Primary Contributor)
Vincent Cassel (Primary Contributor)
Vincent Cassel (Producer)
Gaspar Noé (Producer)
Gaspar Noé (Writer)
Brahim Chioua (Producer)
Christophe Rossignon (Producer)
Emmanuel Gateau (Producer)
Richard Grandpierre (Producer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Tartan Video
Manufacturer: Tartan Video
EAN: 5023965345820
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL,
Release date: 2006-12-04
Number of discs: 2
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
Running time: 95 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2002
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: French (Original Language)
Language: Italian (Original Language)
Language: Spanish (Original Language)