The Wicker Man

Totally unique British horror. Let's be honest it's absolutely f******g nuts, and all the better for it. Great performances, sexy, scary and disturbing. Forget the U. S abortion remake. Watch something you will never forget.

Absolutely loved this classic film. I've been meaning to watch it for years and finally got round to it last week and am so glad I did. In fact I watched both the directors cut and the shorter version and in my opinion the director's cut sets the scene perfectly. It helps you understand the psyche of the policeman and puts his actions into context. The best scene is without a doubt Britt Ekland's naked dance around her bedroom - unintentionally hilarious, but also quite erotic. This film must have seemed incredibly risque in the 1970's. This is a classic for a reason. Rent this film, it is a must see.

love this film it reminds me of the prisonor somewhat in style with the village and villages being so unhelpful and strange. its understated and creepy. one of a few films I would watch again and already have. Also like the newer version.

this film was definitely a weird but brilliant film, shame Cage destroyed it years later. Still Woodward makes this film brilliant.

definitely one to watch

A film as seventies as Donny Osmond sucking a spangle on a space-hopper...and it still has the power to disturb.

This is a different kind of horror - one that doesn't rely on shock moments, or gore, or ghosts, or disfigured guys in hockey masks spoiling weekend breaks for annoying teenagers. Instead Robin Hardy creates an atmosphere laced with an undercurrent of malevolence that just builds and builds until the final moment of terror. There's no need for dark streets or washed out greys either - the suspense is there in broad daylight and all the more real because of it.

Of course it's of it's time, but that's not to it's detriment. Also, the subtext of an older, traditional, Christian system of values being challenged by modern, more permissive thoughts is as relevant today as it was then.

The performances are great, particularly Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee and even Britt Eklund's dodgy Scottish accent is forgivable. But in the end, it's a film that will be remembered most for its finale - a shocking climax that will stay with you for some time to come.

Oh and if you have the choice watch the Director's Cut. The additional scenes and slight change in chronology create a more coherent story.