Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Good start, but then it gets ruined

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

I've read many negative reviews about this film. Some complain about the coherency and pace of the film, while most complain about the ending. Let me start by saying this is one of the best horror films, if not one of the best films I've ever seen, and I've watched thousands of films from the silent era all the way up to present time.What Shadow does so well (BIG SPOILER) is to accomplish the true elements of a dream. It changes pace and setting quite quickly, and effectively. Going from backwoods terror to what some might consider Nazi torture porn doesn't seem like a well flowing narrative, but it works while your watching it, and is only clarified by the ending. So are other strange occurrences such as the rednecks being in what appears to Europe, and the portrait of our 43rd President. Personally, the reason I believe it struck such a chord with myself is because it reminded me of my own dreams. Not so much in the content, but in the way it can rapidly change and go downhill. Most people were very angered over the ending, and didn't take the time to appreciate what director Federico Zampaglione was trying to do. That was to present a dream in it's truest nature. If one was to go back and examine the intricacies of the dream, I think they would be surprised at how the elements are truly dreamlike. Maybe those individuals have never really had a vivid dream.Overall, the movie derives a great deal of inspiration from many other classic films. Some of its visual imagery personally reminded me of An American Werewolf in London (An American man traveling in a foggy, European land with apprehensive locals), as well as Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal(The Nazi Butcher very much resembling the characterization of death in that film). It keeps ones interest, and is genuinely frightening. It doesn't overuse gore, and really is a step above films such as Hostel or Saw. It uses suspense and a feeling of real, sheer terror. Actor Nuot Arquint, as the Strange Nazi Toad Licker (Which many people felt was a gratuitous scene, but hey its a dream, it doesn't have to make sense) evokes fear into the audience without the heavy use of make-up, or as is popular today CGI. His appearance on screen for some reason reminded me of what it might have been like to see Boris Karloff appear on screen as the Frankenstein Monster, or Bela Lugosi as Dracula. As for the ending, if analyzed, can be extremely thought provoking.I ended up watching this movie almost by accident, my brother recommended the film. His taste in movies is usually poor, but every once in a while he finds a gem (Check out Goon starring Sean William Scott, very surprising indeed). I think the less an individual knows about this film going in, the better. All in all, this is one of the best modern day horror films I've ever seen, with enough class to remind one of what the experience of viewing a horror movie should be like. This is an under-appreciated classic that, I am sure will one day receive its due.

Truthfully, I'd give this 8/10, but I feel obliged to try and balance out some of those bad reviews, because I think those reviewers didn't get it.There's a lot more going on here than the usual "sadistic creep tortures people". The film builds up to the punchline twist quite subtly. There are plenty of visual clues, including metal objects of a certain shape and one laugh out loud moment involving a portrait of a well known American, and there are dialogue clues (especially from Angelina). Even the title of the film is a clue as to what this is about.I think the writer/director struck a perfect balance here (I didn't see the final twist coming until it was almost upon me, and then everything suddenly slotted into place).It's not "Hostel", not torture porn. The film makes a point. In that regard it's closer to "Martyrs" and "Never Let Me Go"; Although nowhere near as harrowing as those last two films, it's still a cut above the usual genre flicks.Great pace. Good acting. Nice soundtrack. The villain is brilliant. Worth watching for him alone.A horror film that deliberately plays with clichés but ultimately has more depth. It really doesn't deserve the low score.

I'm surprised some people are not liking this movie.. I think it's just great and scary as hell. Watched it with my girlfriend a couple of days back, and we still have nightmares because of that creepy villain!!!!Actually I'm not crazy for horror movies, especially those where people get tortured... they are often a little goofy and nonsense; but this one has something special, I mean it's not the same murderous movie for bloodthirsty young guys... it's more about reality, wars, and human fears. I guess fans of splatter and gory stuffs will probably be disappointed after watching this title... it's a little too classy for them. not kidding at all, it's true. I was impressed also by the score, it plays like a goblin's stuff very very cool and potent. definitely one not to give a miss.

Another one slasher movie - one of thousands. Even if there are some violent scenes - it's not a splatter.The story is absolutely nothing new. It has no kick, it has no thrill and you will not be surprised by the next scene. Adding some war elements will also not save the movie. There are also many confusing scenes, i.e. if you're chased by a car: would you run on the road or into woods? Actors are quite a low average however I watched the German version.Also the budget of this movie was quite surprising for me: 1 million euro. I guess they spent 900.000 for the camera rental. I couldn't see the money elsewhere.This movie was a pure waste of time for me - I'm very disappointed. Watch it if you have really nothing better to do.