I think this a masterpiece, but not on first viewing. It came to my city with great fanfare in early 80s, rave reviews in papers, exclusive art house engagement, cult film bona fides. But to me and my dunderheaded companions this was not the Christopher Lee horror film we wanted. What a young dolt I was. My second viewing sometime later on VHS was a revelation. How did I miss the magnificence of this? Being in the US I was unaware of Woodward’s TV career. I only knew him from “Breaker Morant”, then and now one of my favorite movies.
Howie‘s reaction to seeing the Wicker Man is some of the best blaspheming in cinematic history Great to see Christopher Lee playing a fun character as well, is still able to be menacing with a smile on his face
Wotcha Tony. So I hadn't seen The Wicker Man for years- since I was a wee nipper, no less- and your review gave me a kick up the arse to revisit it. So, being the responsible parent that I am, I watched it with my teenage daughter over the weekend. Now, though I am very careful and considerate with picking them, she has seen a fair few horror films with me, and her and her mates take an interest in horror novels, movies and video games. So it's been wonderful, now that she is old enough, rewatching the classics with her. Its been surprising which ones have resonated deeply with her (The Thing, Silence of the Lambs, Misery, Blair Witch) and which ones, for one reason or another, haven't quite hit the mark (Alien, Duel). So I thought The Wicker Man would be a good idea (not least of all as she had a soft toy of a hare when she was younger which I named Rowan Morrison and apparently origin stories are trendy at the moment). Anyway, my wife, daughter and I stumbled across the extended, restored version on Amazon and gave it a watch. I noticed it had been lowered to a 15 certificate. Probably going to be alright. Yeah, a few - fully intentional laughs here at there - a little awkwardness about the boobs and such and then... that ending. She sat in breathless silence as the credits rolled. Then: "Jesus Christ that was traumatic!". I hadn't seen her that shellshocked since Jurassic Park when she was much younger. She generally brushes off horror and scary movies with a cool indifference, the way that most teenagers do with that kind of thing, but she seemed genuinely put through the wringer. And for the first time ever introducing her to movies, I felt a little guilty for doing so! Anyway, we had many discussions about the movie over the last couple of days- yeah, no nightmares or lasting trauma, thank god, but I think it's the scariest, most affecting film she's watched out of a bunch of other great movies that could compete. it's a testament to how well it can still resonate with modern audiences and that great film making is timeless. Anyway, cheers for the nudge, Tony.
Hey, John. That's a great anecdotal comment, one I enjoyed reading. Ironically, unless your daughter is over the age of 18 she would be prohibited from seeing this review. Demonetised and access age-restricted. Yet there's nothing to prevent her seeing the actual film. Funny old world - or new world. Much appreciated. T.
Hi Tony. I don't know of many films as unsettling as The Wicker Man. I don't know why I love it but I do. There is an atmosphere and weirdness to The Wicker Man unlike any other film I have seen and I find it extremely rewatchable, picking up new things each time I do. The reveal of both the set up and the wicker man itself had me spellbound. The ending left me speechless. Christopher Lee is excellent as always but I have to mention Edward Woodward's performance as Sergeant Howie. He sells it, I believe him and the film is a masterpiece for it. Tremendous review Tony. Look forward to more from you. Regards.
Somehow I thought you had already covered this one Tony…..anyhow it’s one of those films I encountered by chance on a Friday evening sometime in the early 90’s knowing nothing about it, but the lure of Lee and Woodward made it a must see (big Equalizer fan here!). Luckily those pre internet days would mean no reveal of the films ending so I sat slack jawed at the conclusion of it, not believing what I had just watched. The spaghetti western The Great Silence had a similar effect too years later. Robin Hardy was an adequate director, but not a good one, I’m unsure how The Wicker Tree even got funding due in direness and his 1986 thriller The Fantasist is so odd and unappealing I somehow managed to sit through it in one sitting without turning it off! As always, keep up the great work Tony!
Outstanding. Great review of classic movie -whichever cut you enjoy. Woodward excellent performance as the ill fated copper is awesome performance and I had read that Woodward himself was a religious man (it's nice he self aware enough to know it's only a fxxking movie) . As you said waxmans photography excellent as was Hardy's direction. Hardy proving that some directors only destined to do one classic but sometimes that enough.. Great review Tony as usual
Amazingly comprehensive mine of info here - & very wittily delivered, as always. I met Christopher Lee at the US Embassy about 1991 when on security detail there. We talked about - the Wicker Man, as it had been canned from the TV schedule , to me annoyance, as I hadn't seen it yet. Mr. Lee told me, due to Alan Alda debuting in a West End play, they suddenly showed The Life and Death of Joe Tynan (never seen that). Sir Christopher Lee was very impfressive. I knew he was very tall, but he was also very broad and powerfully built, yet moved like a cat.
@tonybush555 That baritone voice & ramrod straight posture were unmistakable. I could literally see him approaching the embassy's front (the one you see on The Omen) from the other side of Grosvenor Square - his head & shoulders were over the hedge on the Square's perimeter). Ivana Trump's bouffant did the same. Another thrill was 007 himself, Sean Connery. Reading a book, he suddenly appeared in front of me. Trust him not to have to queue up like everyone around the side entrance else & get his work visa granted, poste haste via the front entrance and an only too pleased to help from the Head of Department. International stardom has a lot more advantages than disadvantages, me thinks.
@@tonybush555 Forgot to mention the topical point. A black leather trousered, calf high boot toting, leopard skin full length coat, heavy gilt belt wielding Nordic blonde was waiting outside to go in. I said, "Who's that Rod Stewart lookalike?" Pretty close, as when the Swedish accent spoke, it was Britt Ekland. Told her I didn't recognise her until I heard the accent. Didn't mention the Rod similarity!
One of the best horror films ever made, a real one-off, almost a horror musical, beautifully well made, and above all else, superbly well written. As you suggest, Howie's unyielding, orthodox religiosity is initially juxtaposed unsympathetically against the happy go lucky frolicking pagans in their bucolic island hideaway, until we realise, all too late for the hapless Howie, that this merely conceals something dark and murderous. A film that entertains, frightens and also makes you think. Can't be bad. As it happens, I have also seen DIgby the Biggest Dog in the World. Not good.
Thanks Richard. If there's one review of mine I wish hadn't been classified restricted and demonetised by YT it's this one. Mostly I don't care, but this is one I would have liked to see maybe go some way towards bringing the film to a wider audience. Ah well, what can you do? Thanks for commenting. T.
Great little documentary Tony on an all time classic. I also saw the film originally as part of the double bill with 'Don't Look Now'. I did look behind me a few times on my dark walk home from the local fleapit. The restored version is a must see and sets the standard for Folk Horror, in fact this film invents the genre.
I remember you said there was a potential sequel to 'The Long Good Friday' (Harold Shand escaping the IRA hitman & driver & possibly also disposing of them both). A potential follow up to 'The Wicker Man' with Howie somehow escaping?!!!. The entire point of the stories of these two films is that the central characters' psychology aims them dead center at their ultimate fates and prevents them from acting in any way they might have avoided that fate. I cannot understand how producers/writers could even consider this. If they wanted to mine the characters for further films then prequels explaining how Shand & Howie became the personalities they were seems to be the only option. Apologies for the rant, Tony, but I have unsettled scores with the film industry after financing for my own version of Don Quixote repeatedly fell through. It's a complex legal story too convoluted to explain here. There are 427 lawyers from 38 different law firms in 5 different countries waiting to pounce on me if I say too much.
Yes, the whole point of Howie and Shand as characters in a story is where they end up, how it goes down for them, how on a certain level they are the architects of their own destinies with a helping hand from forces beyond their control. But storytellers are frequently gripped by that "what if" fever along with the notion of replicating past success. On a positive note, neither of those sequels came to pass. Let's hope and pray Disney don't get wind of it. T.
Massive horror fan and big fan of Mr. Lee, too, but I've never ever warmed to this one. Maybe knowing the ending in advance just doesn't help it... or me. I know I'm in a minority, but there's other movies in this milieu I much prefer.
My first viewing, as a young ill-informed kid, I didn't know how it was going to end. Which, when it comes to impact, is a massive bonus. These days you pretty much know how everything is going to end. However, over time I've enjoyed it even more with that knowledge because the journey is always a little bit different, I always hit on something new, something I didn't pick up on before. I get why it's not everyone's cup of hemlock, I'm just lucky that it's mine. Thanks, SquabbleBoxHQ. T.
@@tonybush555 I think most people could predict the ending of the average movie 50 plus years ago, most movies are generic. However, knowing the ending of, say, The Italian Job, didn't stop me from enjoying it. Maybe I need to watch this again with wiser eyes.
I noticed you refer to the cut version. I have a DVD of this with the cuts restored but unfortunately the cut bits are of poorer quality than the rest of the cinematography. Apparently the better quality excised parts were thrown out and buried under a new road in London! But at least you can tell which bits were cut!
The same is true of the Blu Ray remaster. If there is material out there to fashion a more complete cut, it's been missing in action a very long time. Probably as good as it gets. And that's more than good enough. Cheers, Richard. T.
I saw this film a very long time ago this was something different I thought he was survive but that film told me wrong best ending ever I don't talk about the remake cuz it sucks another great review
Love the channel Tony. I have found several movies which have become my favourites and part of ny collection through it. I would like to ask how did you experience the early days of home video and the Video Nasty witchhunt? As someone who was way too young then - and not to mention, from Finland - but is interested in that era/subject I'd love if you'd share your insight, perhaps in a review of a Video Nasty.
Thanks Karppinen. That's an interesting question. I've covered the video nasty situation, albeit briefly, in some of the channel reviews. Inseminoid and The Big Red One (I think) and others. The initial boom in the home rental market was like the wild west, pretty much unregulated. All these small distribution companies buying up movies, banging them onto tape and slapping them out. It was great because suddenly there was access to a lot of product you wouldn't normally get to see. That situation soon changed when young criminals/offenders started explaining and excusing their crimes by citing home videos as inspiration. The BBFC stepped in and started reviewing and banning certain films. Somewhat worse than that even, they began making cuts, re-editing movies, without much care and attention, rendering many nonsensical and hardly worth watching. Artistic butchery. It was a very frustrating time, draconian and oppressive. But where there's a will. The black market made a killing with illegal copies and the mail order businesses provided a channel to uncut imports. Things eventually settled down and of course with the internet you can source almost any version of a film that's available. Many thanks. T.
@@tonybush555 Thanks for the reply! But I have to say that having seen some BBFC cut nasties that they were surgically precise in their edits when compared to Finnish film censorship bureau VET (gone since since 2000, good riddance) - the home video version of RoboCop was cut over 11 minutes for 16 rating - it was 18 in the cinemas (and slightly cut). Between 1987 and 2000 16 was the highest allowed rating on home video which meant practically all horror and action films were cut on video and often to shreds. Even some of the Bond films were cut, like Diamonds Are Forever - and Bond films had 16 rating in cinemas and on video. The home video business in the beginning was a wild West situation in here too, and the waves of your nasties panic were felt here, leading to aforementioned 1987-2000 rating enforcement. During that time TV - both terrestial and cable - was able for some reason to show films banned by VET just fine - it was through television I discovered Hammer films for instance. And they were shown uncut. I also find film censorship appalling practice which should not exist in free democratic societies.
Tony, symbolism is everywhere, starting with watchful eye on the boat, with more than the eye watching the sergeant when he attempts to leave the island later. The Green Man is a mythical creature that symbolizes rebirth, particularly in the spring time as new plants are born. On graves of people, trees are planted, and on the branches placed their preserved umbilical cords. The tree represents a rebirth. As one woman explains it, when people die, they become part of nature. The May pole. It's just about May Day and Howie observes the children dancing and singing around the May Pole. The symbolism is not limited to pagans only, as the costume the policeman wears is Punch, or the Fool. So he is wearing his own fool costume. He is foolish to mess around with these people, and a fool in their eyes for disbelieving their way of life. There is a strong juxtaposition between many of the beliefs of Howie and the Sumerisle inhabitants. For instance, the very free attitudes about sexuality of the townspeople compared to the very strict blocking and repressing sexual feelings in Howie, who is a virgin thanks to his religion demanding he must go through a ritual first, marriage, before he can have sex. However, there are similarities between the religions. One worships the Sun god, the other the Son of God.
There is so much content in the film, so much that can be covered, analysed and discussed. My initial review ran over 46 minutes. It needed a lot of editing as no one apart from me would have watched it. Not a big deal, but I felt I owed it to those who do take a look to make it as accessible as possible. Then, as usual, YT slap an age restriction on it and demonetise it. Way to kill the mood. Ah, well. T.
Great film even though if you watch Robin Hardy's The Fantasist and The Wicker Tree, The Wicker Man feels like a happy accident as those two follow up films is a mess. I feel The Wicker Man strength is the screenplay and the cast that believed in The Wicker Man. The other two films just felt it lacked the actors. Also great praises with the music which brings a quirkiness and hauntingness.
I think you are spot on about the screenplay, the cast and the music. Hardy showed immense promise and potential that, for whatever reasons, were never to be realised. He seems to be one of those people who had one great thing in them and once it was out there they're done. I haven't seen The Fantasist, but The Wicker Tree, which I have seen, is just an embarrassment. Thanks, John. T.
@@tonybush555The Fantasist is well shot like The Wicker Man but it tries to be like a Roman Polanski 60's films but the dialogue feels awkward. It is like bad side effect to anyone whose a bad fan of The Wicker Man and feel it doesn't feel like the same director.
I find this as disturbing as The Witch Finder General. I've always liked Diane Cilento , a true natural. Check out The Persuaders episode A Death In The Family, and she was also married to Sean Connery in the 60s
Witchfinder General ua-cam.com/video/4SBQHpcqWjI/v-deo.html Blood On Satan's Claw studio.ua-cam.com/users/videonySUtYFs9Kc/edit and The Wicker Man were the three premier exponents of the folk-horror sub-genre of this period. T.
I think this a masterpiece, but not on first viewing. It came to my city with great fanfare in early 80s, rave reviews in papers, exclusive art house engagement, cult film bona fides. But to me and my dunderheaded companions this was not the Christopher Lee horror film we wanted. What a young dolt I was. My second viewing sometime later on VHS was a revelation. How did I miss the magnificence of this? Being in the US I was unaware of Woodward’s TV career. I only knew him from “Breaker Morant”, then and now one of my favorite movies.
It can grown on you over time - if you let it. Thanks, chanceotter. T.
Howie‘s reaction to seeing the Wicker Man is some of the best blaspheming in cinematic history
Great to see Christopher Lee playing a fun character as well, is still able to be menacing with a smile on his face
Thanks for commenting, Alan. T.
Wotcha Tony. So I hadn't seen The Wicker Man for years- since I was a wee nipper, no less- and your review gave me a kick up the arse to revisit it.
So, being the responsible parent that I am, I watched it with my teenage daughter over the weekend. Now, though I am very careful and considerate with picking them, she has seen a fair few horror films with me, and her and her mates take an interest in horror novels, movies and video games.
So it's been wonderful, now that she is old enough, rewatching the classics with her. Its been surprising which ones have resonated deeply with her (The Thing, Silence of the Lambs, Misery, Blair Witch) and which ones, for one reason or another, haven't quite hit the mark (Alien, Duel).
So I thought The Wicker Man would be a good idea (not least of all as she had a soft toy of a hare when she was younger which I named Rowan Morrison and apparently origin stories are trendy at the moment). Anyway, my wife, daughter and I stumbled across the extended, restored version on Amazon and gave it a watch. I noticed it had been lowered to a 15 certificate. Probably going to be alright. Yeah, a few - fully intentional laughs here at there - a little awkwardness about the boobs and such and then... that ending.
She sat in breathless silence as the credits rolled. Then: "Jesus Christ that was traumatic!". I hadn't seen her that shellshocked since Jurassic Park when she was much younger. She generally brushes off horror and scary movies with a cool indifference, the way that most teenagers do with that kind of thing, but she seemed genuinely put through the wringer. And for the first time ever introducing her to movies, I felt a little guilty for doing so!
Anyway, we had many discussions about the movie over the last couple of days- yeah, no nightmares or lasting trauma, thank god, but I think it's the scariest, most affecting film she's watched out of a bunch of other great movies that could compete. it's a testament to how well it can still resonate with modern audiences and that great film making is timeless.
Anyway, cheers for the nudge, Tony.
Hey, John. That's a great anecdotal comment, one I enjoyed reading. Ironically, unless your daughter is over the age of 18 she would be prohibited from seeing this review. Demonetised and access age-restricted. Yet there's nothing to prevent her seeing the actual film. Funny old world - or new world. Much appreciated. T.
Hi Tony. I don't know of many films as unsettling as The Wicker Man. I don't know why I love it but I do. There is an atmosphere and weirdness to The Wicker Man unlike any other film I have seen and I find it extremely rewatchable, picking up new things each time I do.
The reveal of both the set up and the wicker man itself had me spellbound. The ending left me speechless. Christopher Lee is excellent as always but I have to mention Edward Woodward's performance as Sergeant Howie. He sells it, I believe him and the film is a masterpiece for it. Tremendous review Tony. Look forward to more from you. Regards.
Thanks, TheWickerman. I was hoping you'd enjoy it. T.
Somehow I thought you had already covered this one Tony…..anyhow it’s one of those films I encountered by chance on a Friday evening sometime in the early 90’s knowing nothing about it, but the lure of Lee and Woodward made it a must see (big Equalizer fan here!). Luckily those pre internet days would mean no reveal of the films ending so I sat slack jawed at the conclusion of it, not believing what I had just watched. The spaghetti western The Great Silence had a similar effect too years later. Robin Hardy was an adequate director, but not a good one, I’m unsure how The Wicker Tree even got funding due in direness and his 1986 thriller The Fantasist is so odd and unappealing I somehow managed to sit through it in one sitting without turning it off! As always, keep up the great work Tony!
Thanks, jnrazic. T.
Outstanding. Great review of classic movie -whichever cut you enjoy.
Woodward excellent performance as the ill fated copper is awesome performance and I had read that Woodward himself was a religious man (it's nice he self aware enough to know it's only a fxxking movie) . As you said waxmans photography excellent as was Hardy's direction. Hardy proving that some directors only destined to do one classic but sometimes that enough..
Great review Tony as usual
Thank you, Graeme. Much appreciated. T.
@@tonybush555 T. Have U seen interview with Woodward where he basically says that Howie a bit of prick and deserved what he got.
Remarkable movie
@@graemewilson7975 No, I haven't, Graeme. But it sounds very like Woodward. T.
Fantastic once again!!! Great humour and always a joy👌🏻 The Wicker Man is truly unique.
Thanks, Jon. Appreciated. T.
Cheers muchly Tony, ah Summer Isle, makes me and the ferrets feel right at home, come visit darkest zummerzet people......
Break out the zider!
Cheers Tony. My favourite Horror film
You're welcome, Wayne. In some respects, it was a joy to do. T.
@@tonybush555 You did it well mate
When Christopher Lee says this is the best film he made, you don't argue. Again, Moviedrome was my road taken for this.
As I've said before, Moviedrome is something that should be brought back. T.
@@tonybush555 It certainly should!
Amazingly comprehensive mine of info here - & very wittily delivered, as always. I met Christopher Lee at the US Embassy about 1991 when on security detail there. We talked about - the Wicker Man, as it had been canned from the TV schedule , to me annoyance, as I hadn't seen it yet. Mr. Lee told me, due to Alan Alda debuting in a West End play, they suddenly showed The Life and Death of Joe Tynan (never seen that). Sir Christopher Lee was very impfressive. I knew he was very tall, but he was also very broad and powerfully built, yet moved like a cat.
I'm impressed that you met Christopher Lee. And envious as hell. T.
@tonybush555 That baritone voice & ramrod straight posture were unmistakable. I could literally see him approaching the embassy's front (the one you see on The Omen) from the other side of Grosvenor Square - his head & shoulders were over the hedge on the Square's perimeter). Ivana Trump's bouffant did the same.
Another thrill was 007 himself, Sean Connery. Reading a book, he suddenly appeared in front of me. Trust him not to have to queue up like everyone around the side entrance else & get his work visa granted, poste haste via the front entrance and an only too pleased to help from the Head of Department. International stardom has a lot more advantages than disadvantages, me thinks.
@@martinidry6300 Certainly seems that way. I'm even more envious now. T.
@@tonybush555 Forgot to mention the topical point. A black leather trousered, calf high boot toting, leopard skin full length coat, heavy gilt belt wielding Nordic blonde was waiting outside to go in. I said, "Who's that Rod Stewart lookalike?" Pretty close, as when the Swedish accent spoke, it was Britt Ekland. Told her I didn't recognise her until I heard the accent. Didn't mention the Rod similarity!
@@martinidry6300 Dear God, man, you're torturing me. Have you met any more of the cast of The Wicker Man?
One of the best horror films ever made, a real one-off, almost a horror musical, beautifully well made, and above all else, superbly well written. As you suggest, Howie's unyielding, orthodox religiosity is initially juxtaposed unsympathetically against the happy go lucky frolicking pagans in their bucolic island hideaway, until we realise, all too late for the hapless Howie, that this merely conceals something dark and murderous. A film that entertains, frightens and also makes you think. Can't be bad. As it happens, I have also seen DIgby the Biggest Dog in the World. Not good.
Thanks Richard. If there's one review of mine I wish hadn't been classified restricted and demonetised by YT it's this one. Mostly I don't care, but this is one I would have liked to see maybe go some way towards bringing the film to a wider audience. Ah well, what can you do? Thanks for commenting. T.
Great little documentary Tony on an all time classic. I also saw the film originally as part of the double bill with 'Don't Look Now'. I did look behind me a few times on my dark walk home from the local fleapit. The restored version is a must see and sets the standard for Folk Horror, in fact this film invents the genre.
Thanks for the response, backrowbrighton. Grateful. T.
Sterling work as always. I look forward to the review of Digby the biggest dog in the world.
You may be waiting a long time.
Nice one Tony. Cheers. An excellent review of an absolutely classic film. Thank you.
Thank you, Tom. T.
I remember you said there was a potential sequel to 'The Long Good Friday' (Harold Shand escaping the IRA hitman & driver & possibly also disposing of them both). A potential follow up to 'The Wicker Man' with Howie somehow escaping?!!!. The entire point of the stories of these two films is that the central characters' psychology aims them dead center at their ultimate fates and prevents them from acting in any way they might have avoided that fate. I cannot understand how producers/writers could even consider this. If they wanted to mine the characters for further films then prequels explaining how Shand & Howie became the personalities they were seems to be the only option. Apologies for the rant, Tony, but I have unsettled scores with the film industry after financing for my own version of Don Quixote repeatedly fell through. It's a complex legal story too convoluted to explain here. There are 427 lawyers from 38 different law firms in 5 different countries waiting to pounce on me if I say too much.
Yes, the whole point of Howie and Shand as characters in a story is where they end up, how it goes down for them, how on a certain level they are the architects of their own destinies with a helping hand from forces beyond their control. But storytellers are frequently gripped by that "what if" fever along with the notion of replicating past success. On a positive note, neither of those sequels came to pass. Let's hope and pray Disney don't get wind of it. T.
Massive horror fan and big fan of Mr. Lee, too, but I've never ever warmed to this one. Maybe knowing the ending in advance just doesn't help it... or me. I know I'm in a minority, but there's other movies in this milieu I much prefer.
My first viewing, as a young ill-informed kid, I didn't know how it was going to end. Which, when it comes to impact, is a massive bonus. These days you pretty much know how everything is going to end. However, over time I've enjoyed it even more with that knowledge because the journey is always a little bit different, I always hit on something new, something I didn't pick up on before. I get why it's not everyone's cup of hemlock, I'm just lucky that it's mine. Thanks, SquabbleBoxHQ. T.
@@tonybush555 I think most people could predict the ending of the average movie 50 plus years ago, most movies are generic. However, knowing the ending of, say, The Italian Job, didn't stop me from enjoying it. Maybe I need to watch this again with wiser eyes.
I noticed you refer to the cut version. I have a DVD of this with the cuts restored but unfortunately the cut bits are of poorer quality than the rest of the cinematography. Apparently the better quality excised parts were thrown out and buried under a new road in London! But at least you can tell which bits were cut!
The same is true of the Blu Ray remaster. If there is material out there to fashion a more complete cut, it's been missing in action a very long time. Probably as good as it gets. And that's more than good enough. Cheers, Richard. T.
The Wicker Man sounds like Midsommar but not pretentious rubbish.
The Wicker Man is the film Midsommar just vaguely dreams of being. Thanks for commenting, Streed. T.
maybe it's just because I'm a hippie but a nude sing along outside early in the morning sounds fun
Ritual sounds like it would've been a great atmospheric cop thriller, shame Winner passed on it.
Thanks Tony a wonderful film and review
Big thanks for your generosity, Chris. Very much appreciated. T.
I saw this film a very long time ago this was something different I thought he was survive but that film told me wrong best ending ever I don't talk about the remake cuz it sucks another great review
Don't worry, ronald, I can't bring myself to talk about the remake. Thanks for commenting. T.
Love the channel Tony. I have found several movies which have become my favourites and part of ny collection through it.
I would like to ask how did you experience the early days of home video and the Video Nasty witchhunt? As someone who was way too young then - and not to mention, from Finland - but is interested in that era/subject I'd love if you'd share your insight, perhaps in a review of a Video Nasty.
Thanks Karppinen. That's an interesting question. I've covered the video nasty situation, albeit briefly, in some of the channel reviews. Inseminoid and The Big Red One (I think) and others. The initial boom in the home rental market was like the wild west, pretty much unregulated. All these small distribution companies buying up movies, banging them onto tape and slapping them out. It was great because suddenly there was access to a lot of product you wouldn't normally get to see. That situation soon changed when young criminals/offenders started explaining and excusing their crimes by citing home videos as inspiration. The BBFC stepped in and started reviewing and banning certain films. Somewhat worse than that even, they began making cuts, re-editing movies, without much care and attention, rendering many nonsensical and hardly worth watching. Artistic butchery. It was a very frustrating time, draconian and oppressive. But where there's a will. The black market made a killing with illegal copies and the mail order businesses provided a channel to uncut imports. Things eventually settled down and of course with the internet you can source almost any version of a film that's available. Many thanks. T.
@@tonybush555 Thanks for the reply! But I have to say that having seen some BBFC cut nasties that they were surgically precise in their edits when compared to Finnish film censorship bureau VET (gone since since 2000, good riddance) - the home video version of RoboCop was cut over 11 minutes for 16 rating - it was 18 in the cinemas (and slightly cut). Between 1987 and 2000 16 was the highest allowed rating on home video which meant practically all horror and action films were cut on video and often to shreds. Even some of the Bond films were cut, like Diamonds Are Forever - and Bond films had 16 rating in cinemas and on video. The home video business in the beginning was a wild West situation in here too, and the waves of your nasties panic were felt here, leading to aforementioned 1987-2000 rating enforcement. During that time TV - both terrestial and cable - was able for some reason to show films banned by VET just fine - it was through television I discovered Hammer films for instance. And they were shown uncut.
I also find film censorship appalling practice which should not exist in free democratic societies.
@@karppinen 100% agree.
Tony, symbolism is everywhere, starting with watchful eye on the boat, with more than the eye watching the sergeant when he attempts to leave the island later. The Green Man is a mythical creature that symbolizes rebirth, particularly in the spring time as new plants are born. On graves of people, trees are planted, and on the branches placed their preserved umbilical cords. The tree represents a rebirth. As one woman explains it, when people die, they become part of nature. The May pole. It's just about May Day and Howie observes the children dancing and singing around the May Pole.
The symbolism is not limited to pagans only, as the costume the policeman wears is Punch, or the Fool. So he is wearing his own fool costume. He is foolish to mess around with these people, and a fool in their eyes for disbelieving their way of life. There is a strong juxtaposition between many of the beliefs of Howie and the Sumerisle inhabitants. For instance, the very free attitudes about sexuality of the townspeople compared to the very strict blocking and repressing sexual feelings in Howie, who is a virgin thanks to his religion demanding he must go through a ritual first, marriage, before he can have sex. However, there are similarities between the religions. One worships the Sun god, the other the Son of God.
There is so much content in the film, so much that can be covered, analysed and discussed. My initial review ran over 46 minutes. It needed a lot of editing as no one apart from me would have watched it. Not a big deal, but I felt I owed it to those who do take a look to make it as accessible as possible. Then, as usual, YT slap an age restriction on it and demonetise it. Way to kill the mood. Ah, well. T.
YT only promotes NPCs reacting to stupid superhero movies and degenerates like Mr. PedoBeast. Good/solid content is now considered "white supremacy."
I liked the music
Great film even though if you watch Robin Hardy's The Fantasist and The Wicker Tree, The Wicker Man feels like a happy accident as those two follow up films is a mess. I feel The Wicker Man strength is the screenplay and the cast that believed in The Wicker Man. The other two films just felt it lacked the actors. Also great praises with the music which brings a quirkiness and hauntingness.
I think you are spot on about the screenplay, the cast and the music. Hardy showed immense promise and potential that, for whatever reasons, were never to be realised. He seems to be one of those people who had one great thing in them and once it was out there they're done. I haven't seen The Fantasist, but The Wicker Tree, which I have seen, is just an embarrassment. Thanks, John. T.
@@tonybush555The Fantasist is well shot like The Wicker Man but it tries to be like a Roman Polanski 60's films but the dialogue feels awkward. It is like bad side effect to anyone whose a bad fan of The Wicker Man and feel it doesn't feel like the same director.
I find this as disturbing as The Witch Finder General. I've always liked Diane Cilento , a true natural. Check out The Persuaders episode A Death In The Family, and she was also married to Sean Connery in the 60s
Witchfinder General ua-cam.com/video/4SBQHpcqWjI/v-deo.html Blood On Satan's Claw studio.ua-cam.com/users/videonySUtYFs9Kc/edit and The Wicker Man were the three premier exponents of the folk-horror sub-genre of this period. T.