Extreme Cinema
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'.
Man Bites Dog (1992)
7.6/10
Director: Andre Bonzel, Benoit Poelvoorde, Remy Belvaux
Starring: Benoit Poelvoorde, Jacqueline Poelvoorde Pappaert
A no-holds-barred portrait of an unashamedly brutal serial killer (played by co-director Benot Poelvoorde). This unique black comedy, shot in document... Read more
Mandy (2018)
6.7/10
Director: Panos Cosmatos
Starring: Bill Duke, Linus Roache, Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Richard Brake, Ned De...
In the Pacific Northwest in 1983, outsiders Red Miller and Mandy Bloom lead a loving and peaceful existence. When their pine-scented haven is savagely... Read more
Mandy (Blu-Ray) (2018)
6.7/10
Director: Panos Cosmatos
Starring: Bill Duke, Linus Roache, Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Richard Brake, Ned De...
In the Pacific Northwest in 1983, outsiders Red Miller and Mandy Bloom lead a loving and peaceful existence. When their pine-scented haven is savagely... Read more
Modify (2005)
7.1/10
When does body modification become mutilation? How do we all modify ourselves to become more of what we want to be? The filmmakers travelled the US... Read more
Natural Born Killers (1994)
7.3/10
Director: Oliver Stone
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Juliette Lewis, Robert Downey Jr, Tommy Lee Jones, Tom Sizemore
Dubbed 'A Clockwork Orange' of the 90s, this all-out audio-visual experience is something that comes along all too rarely. Oliver Stone has, with the... Read more
Natural Born Killers: The Director's Cut ( Blu-ray ) (1994)
7.3/10
Director: Oliver Stone
Starring: Juliette Lewis, Robert Downey Jr, Tom Sizemore, Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Harrelson
Dubbed 'A Clockwork Orange' of the 90s, this all-out audio-visual experience is something that comes along all too rarely. Oliver Stone has, with the... Read more
Only God Forgives (2013)
5.7/10
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Starring: Kristin Scott Thomas, Ryan Gosling, Vithaya Pansringarm
Ryan Gosling and the director of "Drive", Nicolas Winding Refn, reunite with this gorgeously designed and photographed Bangkok-set thriller. Julian (G... Read more
Only God Forgives ( Blu-ray ) (2013)
5.7/10
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Starring: Kristin Scott Thomas, Ryan Gosling, Vithaya Pansringarm
Ryan Gosling and the director of "Drive", Nicolas Winding Refn, reunite with this gorgeously designed and photographed Bangkok-set thriller. Julian (G... Read more
Razor Eaters (2003)
6.1/10
Director: Shannon Young
Starring: Paul Moder, Richard Cawthorne, Fletcher Humphreys, Teague Rooke, Shannon Young,...
Loosely based on recent events in Australia, this provocative and shockingly violent film tracks the rise of a group of misfits who take it on themsel... Read more
Romance (1999)
5.3/10
Director: Catherine Breillat
Starring: Caroline Ducey, Sagamore Stevenin
A bold, provocative portrait of a young French woman's journey to gain control of her life. When told she is loved by her boyfriend, but that he has l... Read more