Lovesusti The Worst Film Ever

Listonixio Fresh and Exciting

Kaydan Christian A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Allison Davies The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

darkthirty Visceral black and white condemnation of the extraordinary potential for superstition, religion and rule by force to enact the most brutal treatment of others, from Russian brothers Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, brought to the screen by Aleksei German. Will we ever reach that place so powerfully imagined by these people, where such a state as Arkankar is unthinkable? Still loved in Russia, during the Soviet period the dream of progress that caused the Strugatsky's to create the Noon Universe, of which the story for this film is one piece, must have been an achingly tangible and at the same time impossible fantasy. In any case, German has taken the idea and without flinching shown the worst of us, while imagining the best of us. Great cinematography, close quarters conversations a la Robert Altman, and images you won't forget.

Joseph Biddle I can honestly say I've never seen another film like this one, which is both a compliment and a warning. The cinematography immediately caught my eye, and held its grip throughout the three hour run-time. The visuals were disgusting, hypnotic, boring, and suspenseful in equal measure. My engagement would've waned early if not for how it was filmed, with the camera becoming as important a character as those it presents. Peasants gawk at the lens, chickens and owls fly into view from behind our view, and various cages, chains, veils, and hung corpses occupy the forefront while the actors talk in the background. It's authenticity is palpable. You really feel like you're hopelessly trapped in the Middle Ages. The visuals hold the film together where the story falters. Congrats if you can follow what's going on, but I suspect it's meant to be a fever dream of weighty conversations, crass segues, and maudlin atmosphere. An interesting watch to be sure, but not nearly as powerful as it was clearly going for. If you're already a fan of experimental cinema, give it a try. Casual movie watchers won't get through 30 minutes.

joecable-70479 Granted, i watched this in 15 minute installments on Netflix so that i could get through it, so i'll already admit that IF i'd been stuck in an art house for the entire 3 hours this takes to run, it WOULD have affected me (for better or worse) more intensely. That having been said, the "Bring Out Yer Dead" sequence in MONTY PYTHON & THE HOLY GRAIL accomplishes EVERYTHING this behemoth attempts, and does so in about 5 minutes. And in a FAR MORE clear and compelling manner, to boot! So, just go watch MP&HG again--it's one of the BEST sword & sorcery flix EVER MADE. Also, Herzog's HEART OF GLASS is ANOTHER movie from the 70's that does EXACTLY what H2BaG is attempting, and in glorious color, as well.

iCronic 5,5/10There is a basic plot description in the beginning but it is not always clear which character is which and what they are specifically doing. I read the Wikipedia Plot description afterwards and it makes it more understandable. The Dialogue is vague, often times outside the frame, since other people are constantly putting their face or other objects infront of the camera. Also some voices are clearly edited in, during post production. Hard to be a god gets repetitive after a while because the scenery stays the same and the bizarre actions go on for 3 hours.  I haven't seen anyone mention the horrible photoshopped face on the corpse at the end of the film, seemed like a budget thing.  With all that being said, the detailed visuals alone make it worth to watch. It is one of the most unique films I've seen. There isn't a film filthier than this