The films listed below are (in)famous for arousing controversy on their initial release, be it for explicit scenes of violence, sex or extreme political beliefs . The best films in this collection use their notorious elements not merely to shock, but to provoke ('Salo' uses its disturbing sequences, borrowed from Sade, as a comment on Fascism, whilst the sickening rape scene in 'The Accused' rightly refused to soften the depiction of this despicable crime). The following films can still cause impassioned debate, in some cases decades after they were made... See also the category 'Asia Extreme'. Right: One of the most shocking debuts 'Man Bites Dog'.
Aka "The Mole." "I ask of film what most North Americans' ask of psychedelic drugs" said Writer, Director and star Alexandro Jodorowsky of this stunni... Read more
At the start of the summer holiday, Anna, Georg and their young son Georgie travel to their idyllic lakeside house; their neighbours, Fred and Eva are... Read more
Based on the shocking true story of serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, Michael Rooker delivers an unforgettable performance of ferocious intensity as Henr... Read more
One of the most sick, disturbing movies ever made and previously banned in New Zealand, this is the film that instigated the knee-jerk Video Nasty Leg... Read more
"My life is very simple, it's a loser's life. The story of an ordinary man. Only today I am starting my life over. Yes, ladies and gentlemen. Today, I... Read more
Welcome to a world where violence is a virtue and depravity is a way of life. This is the underside of Shinjuku, and the home of Kakihara, a sadistic... Read more
Tells of the bizarre true-to-life love affair between a gangster and a prostitute in 1930s Japan. Highlighted by lush visuals and graphic sex, as well... Read more
Kerry Fox and Mark Rylance give noteworthy performances in this tale of one man's sexual obsession and emotional weaknesses. This controversial offeri... Read more
Famed photographer Larry Clark makes his directorial debut with this sensational story of teenage life in Manhattan. Ignoring the challenge posed by A... Read more
A controversial account of the rape of a high-fashion model (Margaux Hemingway) and her violent revenge. Mariel Hemingway (Margaux's real-life sister)... Read more