Instant Favorite.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

I should start by mentioning that this film is one of my top 10 of all time so expect me to heap praise... Time and time again when watching this film does it genuinely scare me, scared like hairs pricking up on the back of neck scared. What has always bothered me most when watching this film is that Edward Woodward is alone on that island and no matter what he says to anyone he is getting no help. Sir Christopher Lee in my personal favourite role of his (get back Hammer fans!) is a massive presence and does wonders for the story, he scares me in the most normal roles let alone being a pagan druid willing to kill for fruit! Britt Ekland has an odd role as she was body and voice doubled, but what she brings to the screen is the temptress charm that almost vacuums up Edward Woodward, it's her facial expressions that do it here.The soundtrack for this film also works perfectly, one thing can can easily make or break a horror film is its soundtrack and the use of Scottish folk music fits perfectly. Wonderfully filmed, acted and written, The Wicker Man is a masterpiece.

BrittnEckland gets her hit off and gyrates against a wall. That said, the rest of the film is fantastic ala Hammer Horror, there is a believability in the story and an unnerving sincerity from all actors, Christopher Lee is sublime as the Laird, Edward Woodward and his naive Scottish parochial bobby is utterly watchable. I love this film and find it shocking with every watch. Classic horror, no CGI, just proper horror.

I have watched hundreds of horror movies and by now I thought that I have seen it all but The Wicker Man had so much up its sleeve.People don't make movies like this anymore, the atmosphere is simply not there which is the best part of the movie. The eerie feeling that is present throughout the film along with a clear "naive- righteousness" struggle of Edward Woodward versus the way of the Summerisle inhabitants is what makes this movie hard to forget. The jewel of it all is Christopher Lee who is so influential and confident of his ways.The music and the setting of the film cap off the overall impression and leave you with a plethora of feelings and emotions at the end of it all. An all-time classic in the genre of Horror!

The Wiker Man is number 96 on the BFI's Top 100 movies.---------------------------------Sergeant Neil Howie (Edward Woodward), of the fictitious West Highlands Constabulary, is sent an anonymous letter recommending that he investigate the disappearance of a young girl, Rowan Morrison, on the remote Hebridean island of Summerisle. He flies out to the island and during his investigations discovers that the entire population follows a neo-pagan cult under the island's owner Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee), believing in re-incarnation, worshiping the sun and engaging in fertility rituals and sexual magic in order to appease immanent natural forces. Howie, an extremely devout and conservative Christian, is increasingly shocked by the islanders' behavior; yet, he is attracted and repulsed by the alluring and sexual Willow (Britt Ekland), the landlord's daughter. He receives no assistance in his search from the islanders, who initially deny Morrison exists and then say that she recently died. Howie persists and uncovers evidence suggesting the girl was a victim, or perhaps is soon to be a victim, of human sacrifice. Delving deeper into the island's culture, he disguises himself as Punch, a principal character of the May Day festival, to uncover the details of the ceremony… ---Summary from Wikipedia--------------------------------------- This is a great example of what I call the "stranger-in-a-strange land" movie genre. While Howie, who is as 'male virgin' and a devote Christian, may deplore the pagan religion of these strange island people, he has a hard time justifying why his religion is more rational than theirs. For example, after witnessing young virgin girls forming a circle and jumping over a fire naked, he asks Lord Summerisle why he allow such immoral behavior on his island. Lord Summerisle explains that the girls are enjoying their divinity lessons representing parthenogenesis—reproduction without sexual union.Howie explodes, "What ever is this? I mean you've got fake biology, fake religion. Sir, have these children never heard of Jesus?".."Himself the son of virgin impregnated by a ghost" Lords Summerisle interrupts, implying 'is OUR religion any less rational than YOURS?This story challenges modern traditional beliefs, with the music, dances, costumes and customs of the island hearkening back to an older time before Christianity replaced Gaelic paganism. The movie is not only challenging and unsettling but leaves us with an unforgettable ending.