Heartless

In a time when the major studios seem content with churning out needless (and often shoddy) remakes of horror classics, Phillip Ridley's latest wildly imaginative offering comes as an unexpected scary treat for genre fans. Heartless centres on Jamie, a troubled young photographer, who feels deeply insecure about the port-wine birth mark down one side of his face and spends much of his time avoiding others and snapping nearby derelict locations. Some creepy visions convince him that the vicious gang responsible for a spate of heinous crimes on his estate are actually demons, concealing their identity beneath hoods. When Jamie's beloved mother becomes the latest victim, he is determined to uncover the truth and exact revenge. The movie becomes increasingly strange from the point when Jim is summoned by the mysterious Papa D and signs a pact promising the one thing that he most wants in life - clear skin - in return for fulfilling one seemingly straighforward task. Heartless will undoubtably not be for all tastes. While early scenes depicting a dysfunctional East End family might not be out of place in a Mike Leigh film, Heartless rapidly takes a turn into bizarre David Lynch / Cronenberg territory. Beautifully shot and performed by a cast of familiar British faces(including a cameo from the ever wonderful Eddie Marsan), this unremittingly dark fairy tale provides some effective jolts and striking imagery.

Interesting Story, excellent cast, great acting and well shot but the story lost its way a little towards the end. Could have done alot more to add meat to the story but definately worth a watch.

Being weird doesnt make a film intelligent. Its all over the place. The story isnt good and all in all its very very unsatisfying. A shy lad with a birthmark makes a deal and basically the film goes on with itself from then. Not a good watch. A very boring and weird movie. You have been warned

Great british intelligent film,portraying gangs in todays society(shown as demons).Also the need to fit in if there is something wrong with you.Need to look deep within this film to understand what is going on.Not your everday blood thirsty gore flick..Very well done.Enjoyed alot :))

First there was Philip Ridleys 'american dreams':
'The Reflecting Skin (1990)..a vivid,magical take on the horrors of childhood. then he made 'The Passion of Darkly Noon' (1995)...a twisted,poetic love story of madness in the forest.
these films were so vivid,rich and epic in their reach that they gained a huge,loyal cult following (yet still havent been given the 'special edition' dvd treatment they deserve).
Now..after 15 years..Philip Ridley has come home with a film of such lyrical beauty and masterful storytelling that it restores our faith in modern british cinema, a film so resonant it will endure.
A clever fusion of genres (horror,urban drama,psychological,fairytale,arthouse) this a film that bravely doesnt play by the rules and takes us on a dark journey that is not only disturbing and horrific but also touching and melancholy.
Peerless acting from a cast at the top of their game (an amazing debut from Nikita Mistry.), a heartbreaking score by David Julyan that will stay with you. BEAUTIFUL cinematography that defines Ridleys reputation as a 'visionary'. never before have i seen a filmmaker so in love with cinema.
Heartless is simply like nothing ive ever seen before..its both magical AND scary. go see it at the cinema before you buy the dvd....you'll thank me for it afterwards.