Gwen [DVD]

This is not a horror movie and there are scenes of brutal violence towards then end of the film. Difficult to rate this one. It held my attention and had me pretty much gripped throughout but the misfortune and mistreatment of this family was relentless, right through to the bitter end.I wouldn't put anyone off watching but be aware that there is no feeling good or overcoming adversity here. Just the reality of desperation, living a relentlessly bleak, hard and harsh life in a Welsh valley, over 100 years ago.The script is spartan but in a good way, it lends itself to the atmospheric cinematography. The acting by the main characters is very good. I found the pacing was fine and the time passed relatively quickly.But when it ends, you are left looking at each other with a feeling of being slightly drained and adversely affected by the whole ordeal. One reviewer has mentioned that it is depressing and I would concur with that analysis. I watched a light and airy nature programme immediately after this, to wash off the feeling left by helplessly watching a family slowly crushed to destruction before my eyes.I ended up settling on 3 stars because whilst it left me feeling uneasy and mildly depressed. It was a well executed piece of cinema that illicited a deep emotional response. If that's what you are looking for then give it a spin. If not, I suggest skipping past this one.Recommended drink for viewing: White wine with tonic water.Recommended snack for viewing: Chicken soup.I do not receive any payment or free goods for writing these reviews. I am just happy to share my views on my purchases with fellow like minded Amazonians in the hope that you may find it helpful.

A story that is sad but important that it's told.

Haunting & atmospheric period piece in the style of the Gothic romanticism of the nineteenth century, but with a devastating social realist bite.A Welsh farmer struggles to bring up her children, whilst dealing with her fading health, the death of her husband in some unspecified war, the destruction of her livestock and the ruthless quarry owners who seek to steal her land.The story is heart wrenching and an aspect of industrialisation that should be known more widely. The pace can at times be a bit pedestrian, but this is such an important story, still relevant today when we think of those native to the Amazon rain forest being thrown of their land to support industrial loggers, meat production and deforestation. We will, all of us, reap a terrible harvest for all of this exploitation.

Not one to watch if you're a bit down anyway. pretty grim with no happy ending. Welsh accent totally appalling...Maxine Peake obviously said yes after a few bottles of wine..all in all, forget it and watch Jim Carrey instead.

The desolation, eerie atmosphere and the cinematography really make this movie. Won't make you feel warm and fuzzy inside but so well acted.

A very slow burner to watch. From the outset it looked intriguing and beautifully acted. The moody atmosphere and barren landscape keeps one watching until it ultimately let's one down at the final hurdle. Shame. Watchable though.

Fascinating little period piece that seems to have been miss-sold to some as a horror movie, this isn't a traditional horror movie (if it was, it would have been much more predictable), but it is horrific - Its the horror of the working class, who were treated abysmally for most of British history. Its the horror of not knowing where your next meal is coming from and the horror of knowing you have no way out. The central performance of Eleanor Worthington-Cox is superb and save a brittle performance from Maxine Peake, she pretty much carries the film (She deserves the kind of kick from this that Anya Taylor-Joy got from the Vvich but given how little exposure this film got, I doubt she'll get it) - Definitely a mood piece - If you fancy something Bleak, unusual, very atmospheric and unpredictable, this is one heck of a Rainy Sunday afternoon.

Great photography and a well realised atmosphere. But to see it described as folk-horror Is in my opinion wrong. It's much more social realism and a savage indictment of Victorian capitalism and one rule for the poor and another for the rich. Unrelentingly grim.