Evengyny Thanks for the memories!

Pluskylang Great Film overall

RipDelight This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

picmanjoe I've noticed in the past that movie-watchers tend to be very loyal to their genres and that when a movie crosses genres, as this one does, it tends to provoke a hostile reaction from a certain segment of the viewing public. The problem is that this movie appears to be an action thriller, but it isn't one at all. Not to give too much away, but it's actually a supernatural drama. (And when the genre of your movie is a spoiler, that's a bit of a marketing nightmare!) Certain reviewers have criticized this movie for being a bad action thriller--which makes sense because it isn't an action thriller. Others have assumed that the movie simply lost its way, when it has been very carefully crafted from the very first second (looking into a mirror) to be exactly what it is. Much has been made of the no-cut technique as if it's a gimmick, when it is in fact integral to the story. A cut in a movie, more than anything else, implies a jump in time, but time is a metaphysical impossibility in this movie--hence the comments about being punished for what will happen later and the protagonist's frequent musings on whether she has met these characters before.Some have felt that the actors are too wooden or melodramatic--"one-note," I believe a reviewer said--without realizing that this is exactly what they are supposed to be. Again at the risk of giving too much away, I'll just point out that these characters are not what they once were. They have eroded. What remains of them is a kind of imprint--thus, for example, the cop can't remember exactly who his family is even though he instantly identifies himself as a father. Each character has preserved only a core of habits, unresolved emotions, and concerns, and it is from this core that the characters speak and act. Even the most trivial comments convey this.Another problem with this movie is that it doesn't mesh neatly with our preconceived ideas of metaphysical reality. So, for instance, we could all deal with Angel Heart because we could tell right away that Robert De Niro was the devil, but here, we can't seem to find the right archetypes to help us along. Another review suggests that Dad is the devil, but I doubt that very much; I think he would say he's just a sick old man who likes power, who has done a lot of horrible things, and who still mourns the loss of his daughter. And I think he's very close to being right.The mood of the movie is perfect. It conveys the impression that we have stayed up all night and have reached that vulnerable time shortly before dawn when all decent, normal people are in bed, or possibly are in a different reality altogether; when the world seems empty of all vitality or meaning; and when even the most familiar settings seem unfamiliar. The anonymous sets convey as well this idea that we have stepped into some sort of shadow world where all the late-night fast food places are locked up, all the gas stations are closed, and all the daytime rules no longer apply.Altogether, this movie perfectly tells the story it has to tell. Unfortunately, those who had hoped that story would be an action thriller will continue to be disappointed.

Angela Condrene This film was recommended to me by an old friend who knows and loves movies. He said -- this is something special. He was right. The film is a real masterpiece. Everything in it, the story, the direction, the acting is first class. And very entertaining, too! But what makes it really special is, of course, that it has no montage -- it was shot without edits. Amazing! The French DVD gives a good transfer, but the subtitles are not always in sync with the images. Not a big problem if you understand English, of course. Oh and another thing -- Scott Cohen is very sexy and interesting. I love this film and recommend it to anyone who loves cinema.

bernie-122 Don't pay any attention to one-star reviews by total idiots. This is one of the most, if not THE most amazing piece of film-making I've ever seen. And I'd like to know why the ONLY one-star review is the one featured on the main page. Who decides which review should be the leading one? At first I thought it was done in 3 or 4 takes, which would have been impressive enough, but upon watching it again, I see it really is one continuous scene, start to finish. I don't see how anybody could pull that off. One mistake, one prop out of place, one line-fluff is all it would take, and you'd have to start all over again. This requires planning and execution beyond imagining, at least for me.I could say that it got a bit over the top in the melodrama at times, but did it really? I'd have to say it all fitted with the surreal mood of the whole film.I can't really say much more, else I'd risk giving away too much. If you like, or at least don't mind, something really different for a change, then please don't miss this.

Claudio Carvalho Stan (Scott Cohen) is a hit man hired by the mobster Dad (David Provel) to kill Rick (Henry Czerny), the husband of Jay (Angela Bettis). While waiting for his final instructions from Dad in a low budget hotel, Stan is visited by Jay, who begs for the life of Rick. He breaks his own rules and explains that only Dad may break his contract, and Jay decides to visit Dad in his night-club to claim for Rick's life. After meeting Dad, Jay comes back home to Rick, when secrets are disclosed.I bought this DVD without any previous reference, just based on the name of one of my favorite actresses, the stunning Angela Bettis. "The Circle" is simply spectacular, an unique experience of pure independent cinema as art, disclosing an intriguing and disturbing story in an environment nightmare and shot in only one take in real time. The logistic of the script, planning routes and rehearsals necessary to make this film would be enough to give a ten to the writer, director, cast and crew. In 2003, Lars von Trier presented to the world the sensational and original "Dogville", a bitter play about a town with disgusting dwellers with an awesome story of human exploitation and pay back. Yuri Zeltser gives this unknown masterpiece of experimental cinema, with a great tale about sinners trapped in the purgatory (or maybe in hell - in this case, Dad certainly is the devil). Every character is actually dead: Stan and Jay committed suicide or died through lethal injection; the cop, Hilga and Rick were shot; Dad was ill; Mom probably had an OD and Sing probably was murdered by Dad. Angela Bettis deserves an Oscar for her performance, and the cast has magnificent interpretations. The camera is fantastic, following the characters uninterruptedly through the most difficult angles and situations. Last but not the least, this film is highly indicated for movie lovers that aim to see a refreshing and absolutely original edition of a film. My vote is ten.Title (Brazil): "O Círculo da Morte" ("The Circle of Death")