Thehibikiew Not even bad in a good way

HottWwjdIam There is just so much movie here. For some it may be too much. But in the same secretly sarcastic way most telemarketers say the phrase, the title of this one is particularly apt.

Leoni Haney Yes, absolutely, there is fun to be had, as well as many, many things to go boom, all amid an atmospheric urban jungle.

Ortiz Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

timaenot This film is well written, well directed, well acted, incredibly beautiful in its scenery and cinematography and always tasteful, despite some of its motifs being sensational. Please note also that this unusual vampire movie has been released before Jim Jarmusch's sophisticated Only Lovers Left Alive.The film (and in first line the play it is based upon, I suppose) not only has a consistent and beautifully told storyline; it shows a deep knowledge of the cultural tradition it deals with. It is no coincidence that the origins of the nowadays story take place 200 years ago (and not, for example, 300 or 400 years). The early 19th century was a heyday of gothic novels, neogothic castles and gardens - and the very period where the cultural myth of the vampires took its beginning. It was later but still in the 19th century when Victor Hugo published his novel Les Miserables upon which one of the main themes and storylines of the film are based. Not to mention the allusions to Stoker (whose Dracula begins on the seaside) and Lovecraft. So the Gothic feel which this movie has to it makes perfect sense in terms not only of atmosphere but of its themes, too. I knew Saoirse Ronan was an outstanding actress from the moment I first saw her in Lovely Bones. She has a charisma which makes it literally impossible to draw one's eyes off her. All of the other actors were also just perfectly cast. Gemma Arterton (and the contrast between her character and that of Saoirse Ronan) is great, and Caleb Jones (whom I had never seen before) is a perfect match for Ronan's character. And, oh my goodness, how beautiful the cinematography is. The green dress of Arterton on the misty sea-coast or the red hood of Ronan above the bloody handkerchief remind of the Preraphaelite artists. The music score suits the film perfectly, it is so full of melancholy and longing.Please, please, can we have more movies like this??

ward_ja This is a work of art in many ways and I regret not seeing it sooner simply because "I don't do vampire movies." This is not your usual vampire movie. If you like art cinema, try this.

TxMike I came across this movie on Netflix streaming, it caught my attention for Saoirse Ronan who is such an accomplished young actress. The Vampire genre isn't very high on my list but I went into this one with an open mind. I was rewarded handsomely. The story spanning a bit more than 200 years from 1804 to present day is in itself interesting and well-told. The story-telling approach is to let us know early what is going on in present day, and that these characters are over 200 years old and must live on fresh blood. But the complete story of how all this came to be is unfolded only very gradually until at the end we know everything we need to know.But to me the best part of the movie are the cinematography, the musical score, and the many expertly done scenes throughout the movie. Each one of them is a work of art and when it is all said and done a very gripping movie.Saoirse Ronan stars as Eleanor and she carries the movie well. Her constant companion is Gemma Arterton as Clara. Early on something happens that causes them to leave town in a hurry and end up in a seaside village in England. (Filming was done in both England and Ireland). Eleanor and Clara are opposites of sorts, while Clara shamelessly seduces men and brings them to a secluded location to take them, Eleanor has a more gentle approach and only takes those who are otherwise ready to depart this life.The third character I will mention is young Texan Caleb Landry Jones as Frank, a boy with Leukemia who befriends Eleanor. The young man has an unusual look about him that fits very well with the overall story and his acting in this role is super.SPOILERS: Clara is actually Eleanor's mother, impregnated when as a teen was forced into prostitution. She was supposed to kill the newborn but couldn't bring herself to do it and sneaked the baby to a religious orphanage, her note requesting that the baby be told her mother was dead. All that happened in 1804, and in ensuing years both got with a Vampire clan that resulted in their being turned, and they forever were to appear the age that happened. In the end Eleanor helped Frank on the remote island and her voice-over is, "I am Eleanor Webb. I throw my story to the wind and never will I tell it more. Another one begins. "

Yesenia Soriano (Ygseni) When I watched this movie it made me feel almost hypnotized. It was beautiful and written very well. The cast was great! I can't express how amazing this film was to me. The locations were beautiful. Saoirse Ronan was timeless and beautiful. Caleb Landry Jones was awesome and I loved his character. I think Neil Jordan did a great job with this film. The writing was well done and I felt close to the story. I really loved the soundtrack as well. I can definitely say that its a great vampire classic story. I think if you done see this, you maybe missing out. I hope that everyone enjoys it as well. I hope that you are captured like I was.