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'.
Likened to a snuff movie by some critics for its sustained brutality, director Mel Gibson's impassioned religious biopic chronicles the last 12 hours... Read more
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
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
"The Piano Teacher" is a powerful and controversial new drama from the award winning filmmaker Michael Haneke ("Funny Games"). Isabelle Huppert ("8 Wo... Read more
Aka "For My Sister", "Fat Girl". Disturbing, sexually graphic and violent French drama about an overweight 13-year-old Parisian girl who feels ostraci... Read more
One of the most elaborate productions ever mounted in Thailand, this is a candy-coloured Western made in the high-energy style that characterizes much... Read more
Extreme drama from rebel Japanese director Miike Takashi tells of Aoyama, a lonely widower owner of a video production company, who joins forces with... 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
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
"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