I hate this movie - Eden Lake (2008) Discussion

[–] kimbe 12 years ago

I felt the same way. At first I directed my hate at the movie. Many movies have made me feel good afterwards. you know, stuff like The Notebook, or Notting Hill. Very pleasant movies and because of that very easy to mark down as great movies.

This movie, however, did the exact opposite. I was actually angry after the movie. Shaken up even, really mad and had to smoke a few cigarettes vigorously to calm down. Even though it wasnt a pleasant experience I'm happy I watched it. And I have to give this movie a very high rating simply because it managed to do what no other horror/thriller movie has even managed to do to me.

It would be easy to tell people not to watch this movie and simply say I hate it. But I dont hate it. It would be really unfair for this masterpiece to go down as a movie people hate simply because it manages to make people feel strong emotions. I hope people are objective about this, and manage to see through the emotions this movies makes them feel. That is what movies try to do, isnt it? I'm glad there are people who make these movies. We have plenty of feel-good stuff out there, but very little from the other spectrum of emotions.

I would recommend this movie to anyone, but with a warning. You will feel hatred and anger. You will feel sick at times, and after the credits start rolling you might hate this movie and hope you never watched it. But look back at your emotions once you've calmed down and you might just end up appreciating this movie. I know I did. I love this movie, but I'm probably never going to watch it again.

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[–] belthazzar 12 years ago

Yeah I see your point and I agree.

I havent had this strong emotional responce to a movie since the time I watched Raging Bull for the first time last summer. It is quite a success and I guess if any of my works (yeah, amateur filmmaker on imdb, what a fcking surprise :D) would produce similary intense emotion, I'd be satisfied.

But with all this, still I will not watch it again any time soon, if ever.

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[–] kimbe 12 years ago

The maker of this movie should be proud, and if you ever make a movie which brings up all these emotions let me know, because I'm gonna want to watch it :P

Even though I appreciate this movie and rate it high, I most likely will never watch this again. there is a chance I will with a few friends I've recommended this to, but it's going to be grueling and I would actually need to get ready to watch it again. Toughen myself up you know.

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[–] Movieloverrrr 12 years ago

Kimbe, I think you are just fighting your emotions. You know, when you have seen a good movie, you don't say you will probably never see it again. That makes no sense. In my case, I hate this movie with all my heart. Don't take offense. I'm telling you this friendly. If you wanna know why I hate this movie, read my topic "absolutely pointless movie".

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[–] kimbe 12 years ago

OK, I read it. And when you say "I hate movies that only make me have a hard time" I cant imagine why you even picked a movie like Eden Lake to watch in the first place. If you read the premise you should know this is not for you. Horror movies often make you have hard time, so maybe this genre is not for you.

So just to make it clear, you dont think there are movies that are great but too draining to watch often, if ever again?? I really think there are, and this is one of those movies. I enjoy horror movies because they make you feel something else than jolly and soft inside. But it doesnt mean it would not drain me mentally. There are lots of movies that are hard to watch but I still watch them gladly.

"But what happens with this movie? you want it to finnish because you can´t stand the anguish and the helplessness of seeing a character too defenseless."

I dont think I wanted it to end more than I want any other movie to end. Didnt really think of it that way during the movie. I just watched with mixed emotions and while being horrified by the brutality I was also amazed. Like I said, this is by far the most mentally draining movie I have ever watched, and I've watched quite a bit of horror/thriller movies. So I have to give props to James Watkins. In my mind it's unfair to rate it bad because it makes you feel sick. That was what he tried to do, and that is exactly what he managed to do.

There are quite a few movies I absolutelly love but dont watch too often, this is one of those for sure.

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[–] Movieloverrrr 12 years ago

And when you say "I hate movies that only make me have a hard time" I cant imagine why you even picked a movie like Eden Lake to watch in the first place. If you read the premise you should know this is not for you. Horror movies often make you have hard time, so maybe this genre is not for you.

You couldn't be more wrong about me. First, you misunderstood the phrase you quoted me. Place your emphasis in the "only". The truth is, the only movie that have made me feel like this was Eden Lake. Because is the only movie I've seen in which justice is offered as the only possible way out and being finally denied. That's objective whether you like it or not the movie. And, just like you, I've seen tons of horror movies. What you say never happened to me with Carrie, The omen, The shining, The exorcist and the long etcetera of great horror movies. you sure about your definition of horror? I'm afraid movies about teenage gangs have deformed your image about, because Eden Lake is rather a thriller with some elements of horror.
Only to finish convincing you, I loved "Megan is missing" and "The Poughkeepsie tapes".

you dont think there are movies that are great but too draining to watch often, if ever again??

ever again? not at all, mate. I think you're from another planet in that sense, seriously.

In my mind it's unfair to rate it bad because it makes you feel sick. That was what he tried to do, and that is exactly what he managed to do.

There are many ways to make you feel sick, and still making sense. Try Irreversible. And many ways to feel you sick not to the extent you don't wanna keep watching the movie. Watkins seemed to want the audience to hate him, and that's stupid. For me, it was a dumb and silly way to demonstrate he had that "power".

And we are only discussing the form of the movie. If we discussed about the story development, the writing, I think this movie wouldn't have any possible defense.

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[–] kimbe 12 years ago

You couldn't be more wrong about me. First, you misunderstood the phrase you quoted me. Place your emphasis in the "only". The truth is, the only movie that have made me feel like this was Eden Lake. Because is the only movie I've seen in which justice is offered as the only possible way out and being finally denied. That's objective whether you like it or not the movie. And, just like you, I've seen tons of horror movies. What you say never happened to me with Carrie, The omen, The shining, The exorcist and the long etcetera of great horror movies. you sure about your definition of horror? I'm afraid movies about teenage gangs have deformed your image about, because Eden Lake is rather a thriller with some elements of horror.
Only to finish convincing you, I loved "Megan is missing" and "The Poughkeepsie tapes".

I know this is a horror/thriller, maybe even tipped to the thriller side, but horror elements for sure. I think them not getting justice is what makes this movie. That is why you feel so bad afterwards. If they get their revenge, or justice I guess, it would have been just another thriller with "happy" ending. Happy in a very dark sense. I see your point, and we just think different about this, I can live with it :P

ever again? not at all, mate. I think you're from another planet in that sense, seriously.

Ever again might be saying too much, but I cant see myself watching it any time soon. Unless some friends I've recommended it to wants me to join them, then I might. But it seems we rate movies differently. I really do think there are some movies that are great, but still only meant to be watched once.

There are many ways to make you feel sick, and still making sense. Try Irreversible. And many ways to feel you sick not to the extent you don't wanna keep watching the movie. Watkins seemed to want the audience to hate him, and that's stupid. For me, it was a dumb and silly way to demonstrate he had that "power".

I've seen Irreversible and I didnt really feel sick. The rape scene is probably supposed to make your gut wrench? Not so much to be honest. well, maybe slightly, but nothing compared to Eden Lake. Nor did I feel sick watching Hostels', or SAW's. I think 'Murder-Set-Pieces' was supposed to be horrifying and make your stomach make somersaults, but not really. Simple torture doesnt really make me sick. This had something else, which I cant really pinpoint. This movie made you care about the characters (some people dont would argue me avout this), and it was able to build a tension almost unbearable. I was dumstruck by my emotions after this movie, and while at first I did direct my hatred towards the movie I dont anymore. I have to like it. Do you get it? I want to feel this way after a Thriller or a horror movie. Too often horror relies on scaring you with sudden attacks accompanied by loud noise which might make you jump off of your chair. But that sucks, it's not real horror. Right kind of tension. Another movie I found surprisingly good was the new The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Nobody speaks highly of it, but it's one of my favourite horror movies from the last 10 years or so.

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[–] Movieloverrrr 12 years ago

I think them not getting justice is what makes this movie. That is why you feel so bad afterwards.

You say you read my analysis, but I'm afraid you didn't understand it. Again, it's not the outcome itself, it's the way they use to end the movie like that.

If they get their revenge, or justice I guess, it would have been just another thriller with "happy" ending.

but is there something wrong with having a happy ending? Why?? Honestly, why? What makes people think a happy ending is, per se, intrinsecally, a wrong choice, a bad ending? Especially in a movie like this. Think it carefully. Not only did the two leads die, but also the chavs get away with everything (please don't tell me you bought the "open ending"). I don't need that to enjoy a thriller or a movie in general. You do, unfortunately. The director had nothing left to the audience. Had we at least seen the police coming, it would have been something and still the tragic ending you like so much.

Third paragraph:
Well, actually Irreversible is terrible but didn't make me sick either (except for the extinguisher scene. Didn't to you?). I mentioned it as a good example, nonetheless, of a movie disturbing and shocking for most of the people who see it.

Simple torture doesnt really make me sick. This had something else, which I cant really pinpoint.

Maybe you are a little sick in that sense, hahaha. What can I tell you about that .

This movie made you care about the characters

And who wouldn't in such situation? You would have to be a psycho not to care. Please don't think that's the director's merit. You care is primary, but it can´t be in depth, becuase there are no characters development whatsoever. We know more about the lives of the chavs, in fact.

I have to like it. Do you get it? I want to feel this way after a Thriller or a horror movie.

Otherwise, what happens? you can't stand it?

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[–] kimbe 12 years ago

but is there something wrong with having a happy ending? Why?? Honestly, why? What makes people think a happy ending is, per se, intrinsecally, a wrong choice, a bad ending? Especially in a movie like this. Think it carefully. Not only did the two leads die, but also the chavs get away with everything (please don't tell me you bought the "open ending"). I don't need that to enjoy a thriller or a movie in general. You do, unfortunately. The director had nothing left to the audience. Had we at least seen the police coming, it would have been something and still the tragic ending you like so much.

Third paragraph:
Well, actually Irreversible is terrible but didn't make me sick either (except for the extinguisher scene. Didn't to you?).

There is nothing wrong with happy endings, absolutelly nothing. But dont you think we have too much of them? there has to be some movies that dont get a happy ending, dont you think? Happy ending is not a wrong choice and I'm not one of those that hate movies if they get a predictable happy ending. Often the ending is easy to predict, but I like the fact that sometimes, even in the most horrifying movies, the happy ending is not there. Happy is a strange word to use with this movie btw, but I guess we both know what we mean by it.

Anyway, I find it refreshing to feel absolutelly devastated after a movie. Call me crazy or sick or whatever, but I like it. It's kinda fun to examine your emotions after a movie like this. Oh and no, I didnt buy the "open ending". Quite obvious how it all went down. It doesnt really matter how the movie ended, it would have been tragic anyways. And you misundertand me it seems, I dont NEED a sickening ending to enjoy a movie, I just find it refreshing every once in a while. And extinguisher scene, sure it was unpleasant to watch, and mildly sickening, but like I stated before not much compared to Eden Lake.

Otherwise, what happens? you can't stand it?

Like I explained before, I dont NEED to feel sick and devastated and angry to enojy a movie. I simply want that feeling every once in a while, and I find it refreshing and interesting. It's not often you get to feel as strong emotions as you do after Eden Lake. To me it is a powerful movie, and even if you dont give credit to the director or writer, I dont think you can deny this being a powerful and make you feel unpleasant? I dont really know how this is different to all the other horror/thrillers, but somehow it is. Maybe it's only the sad ending? I dont really know, hard to know how I would have felt if they go justice..

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[–] 12 years ago

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[–] creepysammich 11 years ago

I enjoyed the movie for many reasons. Not gonna develop on the classic and very efficient directing, and the hurdles of making broad daylight horror work.

No, most of it, I liked it because it does what every good horror flick does, it leaves you walking in the dark. Not knowing what happens next goes a long way. And then the ending, probably even more a punch in the guts because you do see it coming this time, but it's pretty damn horrible. That kind of dance with the audience's expectations is the fabric of good horror movies.

As for the film not making sense, I find it plays in the same field as a masterpiece like Texas Chainsaw Massacre in how it builds it thrills on a social situation that mirrors the fears of its era. American youth/rednecks, British yuppies/delinquent youth, different era and country, same approach to horror.

Now, remember, I respect your opinion on the movie. It's not a bad one, and you obviously know a few things about defending it. But just try not to stress it to people who don't share it like some kind of evangelist. Because your opinion is never anything more than an opinion.

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[–] richnieh 12 years ago

I think I agree with you on this one.

I think it is a funny way to use the word hate but it is actually appropriate.

I won't watch it again for sure but it is because the story is so powerful and realistic that I think I hate this movie too.

I would recommend it to others though, I believe a few people will hate me to recommend it to them as well.

I don't need to watch it again to remember the details though...

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[–] kimbe 12 years ago

Isnt it strange to recommed and movie you hate yourself? :) But I think I know what you're saying.. :P

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[–] charliejsch 12 years ago

A movie that invokes emotion does not out of necessity make it a good movie.
Yes this trait is common in good movies but not all good movies, hence, this premise is false.

Just because it invokes anger doesn't make it good. It would be like watching two dogs attack each other ,then, you feel emotion - yes, that was good?

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[–] LosGanjales 12 years ago

hey, do you know the movie cigarette burns? it's a part of the masters of horror series.

you remind me of this movie because the people in this film go mad after watching a disturbing horror movie ;D

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0643109/

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[–] wat_is_imdb 12 years ago

i watched this when it was released on DVD, and attempted to watch it again today but closed it as soon as i got to the part where the couple first meet the youths. I find it almost painful to watch as it really upset/angered/horrified me first time, bearing in mind I have a penchant for gristly disturbing films

I got shot in the but-tocks

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[–] 12 years ago

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[–] amazon52476 12 years ago

It is disturbing, but I loved it. It didn't have a happy ending, but a lot of times in life there are no happy endings. I mean think about it, when something ends, usually it isn't happy (someone dying, breaking up with someone, etc...).

If you see everything through to it's end, I think there will be more unhappy endings than happy ones.

I was upset the first time I saw it, but I watched it again and didn't feel as bad. It's a movie, and not real life.

Now if you take Seven, which people love, they don't get all bent out of shape about that one, but that to me is even more disturbing. It had an extremely bad ending, and more people died. I still have the same EXACT feeling after watching Seven now as I did when I saw it in the theater.

I love every genre, and don't really like the super, super gory stuff, but I really enjoyed Eden Lake.

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[–] y_umm_y 12 years ago

i've have never felt this way after watching a film in my entire life. i was so angry with the ending and wished i'd never watched it. i can't believe it's making me feel this way. during the last scene i was waiting for something to happen or for someone to intervene, then when the credits rolled up i actually felt physically sick, then immense anger. i'm not sure what else to say. i suppose they were going for shock value, and they certainly succeeded. i won't forget about this movie in a while, but for all the wrong reasons.

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[–] Movieloverrrr 12 years ago

Yummy, the movie is precisely meant to make you feel that way. I could have written your post and it would make no difference. Search for my topic about it if you want to ("Absolutely pointless movie"). In there, I explained why I hate this movie so much. Maybe you will feel my reasons as yours.

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[–] CptHowdy87 12 years ago

i've have never felt this way after watching a film in my entire life. i was so angry with the ending and wished i'd never watched it. i can't believe it's making me feel this way. during the last scene i was waiting for something to happen or for someone to intervene, then when the credits rolled up i actually felt physically sick, then immense anger. i'm not sure what else to say. i suppose they were going for shock value, and they certainly succeeded. i won't forget about this movie in a while, but for all the wrong reasons.

That's not true at all because that was the intention of the movie.

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[–] jaccowacco7 12 years ago

The movie is really upsetting, the most horrible line which sums up why the whole thing is so horrific is when one of the mums says "they're just kids" even though its the kids who have been capable of causing all the previous carnage.

"It's the Law"
"Then the Laws Crazy!"

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[–] littlesue-567-593153 12 years ago

The first time I watched this film it kept me awake all night because of the disturbing ending. I suppose that was the Director's idea though so fair play to him. I thought for a low budget pic it was well done and well acted, of course you want to give Steve a slap for over reacting on things and the woman for not going to find help straight away but you would'nt have had a film to make if they had had more commonsense!

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[–] ofuoku71 12 years ago

I loved this film because of how intense and disturbing it was. It had me at the edge of my seat.

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[–] jaxx-6 12 years ago

I have my threads set as flat on IMDb so I just chose the last post in the thread to reply to. Nothing personal ofuoku71. :)

I find it interesting that most people feel the same way I do - that it was an intense experience and a very well executed movie but I would not choose to see it again. I felt the same way about Irreversible.

Brilliant stuff!

That said, there are people here who are still disturbed by it (I'm thinking of one in particular) and fair enough BUT you can't really call a movie bad or the intentions wrong because of that.

I think the film did what it set out to do. I was in fear of getting a real headache from all the jaw clenching and grimacing I did throughout! Awesome. x]

One thing about the ending that no one has mentioned here is that the scene where Steve enters and escapes the CHAV-HOUSE (lol) is a set-up/plot device to show where the kid gets his evil gene from (yes I know there's no evil gene :P).

This comes full circle where the dynamic between the kids is repeated in the adults. It's exactly the same. This is behaviour that's passed down from generation to generation and of COURSE they 'get away with it' because this kind of thing (with the kids) does actually happen which means it has to start somewhere! These were not insane kids - they were cruel and violent and emotionally out of control. They thought they were 'well 'ard!' This behaviour nearly always start with the parenting. Remember the woman in the Cafe who said "Not my kids!"? Ugh - Parents from De Nile. I wasn't surprised to see her at the party ... >.>

On an optimistic note for the more upset posters, there is no way the kids are gonna get away with it completely due to the charred remains of Steve. No one can pick up that amount of body ash from a forest bed and while the cops may not find out enough to charge anyone, the adults will know. Some may even feel guilty to the point of needing to confess ...

:D

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[–] littlesue-567-593153 12 years ago

The two lads who got away may have talked too.

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[–] Movieloverrrr 12 years ago

jaxx-6, do you really think brutal and grotesque stuff can be considered brilliant?

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[–] ustal 12 years ago

BS for suckers. For once I want to see a movie where people do logical things and still end up dead. Anyone with half brain would not return to this lake because it does not make sense. Unless you like when people try to ruin your vacation.
This is a very simple minded grotesque movie that aims to shock. There were tens of such movies before and there will more in the future.

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[–] 12 years ago

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[–] GreenBayPagan 11 years ago

On an optimistic note for the more upset posters, there is no way the kids are gonna get away with it completely due to the charred remains of Steve. No one can pick up that amount of body ash from a forest bed and while the cops may not find out enough to charge anyone, the adults will know. Some may even feel guilty to the point of needing to confess ...

Maybe I am a glutton for punishment but if this were done right, and we would need gruesome flashbacks, the resolution of "What HAppened at Eden Lake" could be a very effective sequel. There are, I believe, 5 dead people to account for. Jenny and STeve; someone surely knew where they were going, or someone not involved in the conspiracy would remember them. Adam, the Indian boy, I believe was set on fire to make Jenny come back. Jenny killed the asthmatic boy and then ran over the punk girl. And sooner or later I think someone would crack under the guilt and the fear of punishment.

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[–] shuttlebug 12 years ago

I feel the exact same way and I love exactly how you articulated the feeling. I'm pretty brave with films but this just messed with me and made me feel nauseated haha. I couldn't imagine ever watching it again - but at the same time I respect it for being quite a film. I really fell in love with the lead actress in this and I wish I saw her in more stuff. Her performance is beyond comprehension, she just goes through pure hell ugh

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[–] littlesue-567-593153 12 years ago

Kelly is in the new Denzil Washington film, Flight.

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[–] sixxdog 12 years ago

I absolutely love this film.. Not a masterpiece in any way, but well worth buying for your collection of awesome thrillers/horrors. 7/10

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