A Jewish family, that just arrived in a new neighborhood, are recording their youngest son's birthday celebrations on video when their home is suddenly invaded by a bunch of crystal-meth-crazed Neo-Nazi lunatics.
W**E
mmmmm
Very disturbing and heavy. I usually hate films shot in this "oh its my home video camera" style of lazy film making, but it seems to work in the film; thoe the subject matter and the acting "which are strong" deserved a director not a gimmick. This could of been a very impactful film if the makes learned how to set up a shot instead of shaky camera syndrome .
M**H
Brutality in the form of a found footage film.
It's evident early on that Hate Crime isn't playing around when it comes to the violence. It's raw, sadistic, and just as the name implies, hateful. That's not to say it's full of gratuitous gore, or blood splatter, there's hardly a drop of the red stuff, save for a couple of scenes. The violence in this movie is actually realistic, and that's what makes it so disturbing. At times it was difficult to watch because the entire time I was thinking to myself "this could easily be actually happening right now". Take heed to all the warnings from reviews folks, I don't know if I've ever seen a meaner flick.This is a found footage movie, and I know that's going to get groans and eye rolls from a lot of people, but it doesn't really feel like a found footage movie. It's incredibly realistic, it basically happens in real- time, and is beautifully edited. It feels more like you're there, enduring the hell with this family instead of simply watching. Of course all the editing in the world wouldn't help if the cast weren't believable, and thankfully, Bressack managed to find some incredibly talented actors and actresses to bring his story to life. I can't imagine it was an easy feat to get into the right mindset to act out some of the things in this movie, but almost everyone involved turns in a totally believable, flawless performance. Again, it's terrifying because this is exactly what a home invasion of this nature would look/sound like.Hate Crime isn't a movie to be enjoyed with others, I feel like it would lose it's effectiveness in larger groups. It certainly isn't a "get drunk with all your buds, and watch a movie" kind of film. To truly experience this movie, and get the most out of it, I feel like solo is the best way to watch.From the very beginning, Hate Crime grabbed me by the neck and repeatedly punched me in the gut, and then kicked me while I was down. I lost count at the amount of times all I could do was sit there and stare blankly at the screen. James Cullen Bressack and company deliver a movie experience that actually gets to you, elicits an emotional response, and that's incredibly rare for me. This is guerrilla film-making at it's finest.This movie will absolutely not be for everyone. In fact I only personally know a handful of people who I think would be able to watch it through to the end. Only those with strong stomachs, and strongly desensitized to violence need apply. Hate Crime is a rare treat for those of us who seek out this type of experience with a film.
A**Y
Unimpressive
Hate Crime (2013)Rated on a 10 point scale.WARNING: This review contains spoilers.Right from the opening scene we are subjected to yet another hand-held, home video style approach to the story, and not only is this completely uninspiring, but downright irritating, considering the plot and events of the movie. (-3 points)The next sign of an uncreative and mediocre director comes when the home invaders, who happen to be neo-Nazis, immediately kill the little boy, without even a small amount of abuse or torture. It becomes clear this was done, because the director lacked the backbone to portray what would have really happened to the youngest family member in a real hate crime. Giving a clean kill to the youngest child simply because of his age was utterly unrealistic and sets the stage for how often this film, which is supposedly shocking, pulls its punches and falls short of its goal. (-2 points)Way too much screaming! Apparently, the director only knows how to portray emotion in one-dimensional ways: hate = you scream, fear = you scream, anger = you scream. Coupled with the unoriginal and jerky camera work, this makes for a horrible watching experience, not because the film is disturbing, but because it is annoying. (-2 points)Poor production value is also very apparent throughout the movie. This has nothing to do with budget, but more with bad direction and cinematography. Punches that so very obviously never make contact with the target are abundant. Small details, like the ridiculous ropes around the lounge chairs, from which any human could simply slide out, also turn this into more of a comedy of errors than a serious film. (-2 point)sFinal score: 1/10Hate crime in real life is a horrible, powerful, and prevalent problem everywhere in the world. Hate Crime, the film, fails to understand that some things are best presented in a simple but unflinching fashion, without the use of tired gimmicks and overacting. There is nothing shocking or disturbing in this movie; more importantly, there is nothing worth watching - this movie screams film-school is every possible, horrible way.
O**R
unique and entertaining.
Love this movie! At first it had me a little skeptical but it gets better, if you're a fan of Neo nazis, manhunt video game, or pov action horror movies then this should satisfy your hunger. Only reason it's getting 4 stars from me is because of the long drug out rape scene... very disturbing and boring part. All in all I'd recommend you check it out
J**
Mediocre
Not as brutal or shocking as I thought it would be
S**T
Zero dimensional characters- I can't tell if the acting is good or not because the audio is muffled and distorted ...
Would be decent for a bunch of high school friends goofing around on a weekend. Zero dimensional characters- I can't tell if the acting is good or not because the audio is muffled and distorted to the point that I stopped trying to listen. No soundtrack. Putrid SFX. No suspense. I am not a fan of "Funny Games" because I feel that it is slow and unconvincing. Compared to this, it is Citizen Kane.That said, I give credit to anyone (including the creator/cast of this movie) that has the gumption to make a indie film- living the dream, so to speak. That said, if you don't have the artistic talent or cinematic wherewithal to create a grindhouse action-thriller, do a character driven story with less action and more compelling narrative. A family being tied up and psychologically tortured for an hour and ten minutes wold be better than a bunch of loud 'ninjas' running around the house yelling at each other (while occasionally dispatching a family member that said one or two lines of dialogue prior to his/her dismemberment.
J**H
dont ban this filth
I felt a little uneasy going into this one, but bar the anti Semitism, forced son on mother rape and a general nihilism for human life, its one of the better shot on cam 'lost footage' flicks that are outnumbering normal shot films.Banned outright in UK and I can see why - it isn't pretty, but a limited release uncut (as it would be a limited cult following anyway) wouldn't do any harm...the bbfc have said there is no moralistic ending apart from some type that runs before the credits.Hmmm thinking a bit more about it now, it is pretty grim and violent. Cool
L**E
Bad acting but great film
If your into z list films you'ĺl love this bad acting. But the story is very well written and this story happens in real life, i love gory, creepy films and its one for the dvd collection, it feels like your going through the situation with them but cant help
S**H
Strike up the banned
Banned by the British Board of Film Facists in the UK which means I had to have it. Lots of shouting, racism, and footage that may shock some. I can't say I loved the film but it now sits happily with Murder Set Pieces, Bunny Game, and Grotesque on my shelf.
K**E
Five Stars
Great film based on a true story
A**D
Very good story and effects
Really decisive stuff. Very good story and effects.
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