Absolutely amazing

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Blistering performances.

I loved this movie when I first saw it, and have watched it here and there over the years. I watched it again tonight and realized how well executed this movie was. Rutger is classic Rutger, a joy to watch. A young Vincent D'onofrio and a Seasoned Delroy Lindo are good bookends to the team. But Joan Chen absolutely steals the show. Her expressions convey a gamut of emotion and her physicality in this role is equally impressive. The pacing is well done and the gritty sports theme behind it all fits well into the post apocalyptic setting- after all, people will always try to find something to keep them entertained and take their minds off their despondent existences. LOVE THIS MOVIE.

Don't buy the hype. This Mad Max-esque film is one of the bleakest films I have seen in a long time. All characters are unhappy souls, surviving in a grim world, unable to improve their lot, prone to an almost genetically determined urge to mess things up. They have egos and the big guns aren't used to working with other people or playing by the rules. The cinematography is stark and bare, with only the soundtrack adding some effect. It's an amazing work and everything I had hoped for. From an artistic standpoint, there were some plot elements and character developments I didn't think were totally needed. They do however drive the story, which seemed to be their purpose, so I can accept them. Verdict: 7/10.

Bit of a forgotten Hauer cult classic this with your typical popular post apocalyptic world where only the strong survive. Haven't seen this in many many moons and it wasn't quite as cool as I remember it but still decent, the plot has now been copied over and over by many films since but as this was back in 89 it feels like its one of the first, almost.An Aussie flick so you would be right in thinking there's a touch of 'Mad Max' in there but there's also a lot of classic barbarian type stuff and strong Roman Gladiator themes too, you wonder if Scott took inspiration perhaps. 'The Game' itself is kinda odd and simply revolves around sticking a dogs skull on a stick in the opponents half, like a touchdown really, whilst you batter your opponents half to death to protect yourself and your players. Dog skulls because they eat dogs in the future, why use them for this? who knows.Of course there is more going on when you scratch the surface, literately. Deep underground (because the surface has been ravaged by war) there are affluent rich folk living in complete luxury that run a much bigger harder league of the game called 'The League'...imaginative huh. Down there the players are treated like real stars with wealth and fame but the risks are greater...well life threatening (duh!). The aim of many players is to get into this super league, of course good old Rutger has already played there and survived.When you watch the game I did kinda get the feeling in reality it wouldn't last more than 5min or less but artistic license is in heavy use of course. The actual games aren't as violent as you'd think with minor blood and not much carnage, the film is quite tame really now but back in the day it was suppose to be pretty brutal. Hauer is perfect for the role as the quiet brooding leader 'Sallow' and Delroy Lindo impresses in a surprise if slightly racially clichéd role. Overall the whole team are all pretty good in all their stereotypical post apocalyptic attire along with manly battle scars. The Aussie outback also adds to the inhospitable atmosphere and really gives this adventure a nice bleak barren feel as you would expect.Nice ending which isn't totally predictable...if you watch the uncut version, the US version was cut for some reason. Personally I prefer the film title 'Salute of the Jugger' as it offers a bit more mystery, what the hell is a jugger? dunno but it sounds kinda neat doesn't it.6/10

I saw this movie when I was very little...and liked it a LOT. Then I saw it again after many years...and still LOVED it. Now that I'm much older (well, not THAT much) I watched it again ... it gets better with every viewing!I don't know... It's simple and linear, yes, but it's a story well played and well told. I actually LIKE the Game they play, I enjoy the fights and all the Honor-thing that lies behind them.And no...how can someone talk about gore-fest or orgy of violence? I've seen MUCH worse in in movies that the public liked more (for apparently no good reason...they were utter crap!).This movie is very nice, and I really can't understand why it is so underrated and (reading some reviews) almost hated o_O' Watching this movie may not be an enlightening experience in your life, but it will quite an enjoyable and entertaining one!