one-nine-eighty A British cult classic film which uses intelligence, tension and thrills, over a big budget, blood and gore to deliver a haunting vision which leaves something with you.Edward Woodward plays Sergeant Howie, a police man who is sent to a Scottish island village (The Summerisle) to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, Rowan Morrison. Things begin to get strange when the small community deny any knowledge of her; furthermore their own behaviour bemuses Sgt Howie too - some are openly promiscuous, some sing strange songs of life and creation. Although he already suspects it, meeting Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) confirms that the inhabitants of the island follow Pagan traditions. Howie must try to uphold the law of a Christian country, deep within Pagan territory, which means working against what the inhabitants of the island see as normal, and he, the law, and Christian religion - see as wrong and immoral. A massive twist at the end of the film promises a memorable and haunting conclusion to the film. The picture shows what can be accomplished with a small budget. The stars of the film are undoubtedly Woodward and Lee who carry this film, probably more so Woodward, as Lee doesn't appear for long periods of time. This is Edward Woodward before his famed role as TV's "Equalizer". Christopher Lee appears in this after his stint in a lot of Hammer films, proving that he can do something other than out and out horror roles. The supporting cast didn't really deliver brilliant performances, but in the context of a British 1970's film, they didn't look out of place either. As an example, it seems obvious to me that Britt Ekland isn't there for her acting or singing ability - but other assets, which she finely displays! The film looks lovely and bright; it uses a lot of natural colours of nature which helps the theme of the film somewhat. The music in it is beautiful and haunting at the same time - it's just a pity that the dubbing is obvious for the most part. This is not the only thing which is a little out of place, some of the sequences including flashbacks and random dancing/cavorting aren't done that well, some choppy and some with an overuse of cross-fade, but not enough to make you lose track of what's going on. The pace of the film isn't always easy, and certain parts during the beginning and middle can be a little dull, but as a whole it all works - I just keep telling myself, this film is nearly 50 years old. I just put these down to the film being from the 70's and using techniques of the time - and this film does feel pretty much like a film of its time. One thing that isn't necessary just of the time; and something that's interesting and relevant to see almost 50 years after the film was released is the religious messages/stance. A lot of the religious conflict in this seems to be apparent in the world today still: two (or more) sides or beliefs banging heads against each other with neither willing to back down, ultimately with somebody suffering. There isn't a right or wrong, it just depends on which side you sit to justify the actions - and in this instance much like real examples - which side has the biggest number of people. This film does that and through following a more typical western point of view of Christianity into a Pagan world it makes the viewer that little bit more alienated, and that little bit more shocked by the end. This is a great film, not the best horror film you'll see, but absolutely one of the best cult films you'll see. It's actually difficult to put this into a genre, many people would argue is horror but it's not, nor is it a thriller, action or detective film. It's a bit of a lot but nothing in specific - but one thing that is absolutely apparent by the end of it, it's clever, intelligent and it's make you think. While the ending has been spoiled over and over again, go into this film with an open mind and you won't be disappointed. 8 out of 10.

andyhibbert-80785 A compelling mystery thriller. Great location shoot with a great cast - stoic Woodward, dramatic Lee and gorgeous Ekland all give fabulous performances. OK some of the 70's 'styles' look a little daft these days but it's one I'll always have another watch of. Please don't judge it by the totally awful remake with Nicholas Cage.

adonis98-743-186503 A police sergeant is sent to a Scottish island village in search of a missing girl whom the townsfolk claim never existed. Stranger still are the rites that take place there. This British Horror film is packed with over the top perfomances, odd humor, horror cliches and above all the same terrible ending like the Nicolas Cage remake of the same name. Overall a bad movie unlike anything i've seen before. (0/10)

angus-lamont Well I have just finished watching "The Wicker Man" (1973) for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it! A very well written, thought provoking storyline, adding great mystery and tension throughout, along with some pretty surreal imagery. I thought Edward Woodward as Sergeant Howie was amazing, especially in the final moments of the film - a truly chilling and moving performance. (Pulls off a pretty good Scottish accent too!) Sir Chris was also great in his role (even if his screen time wasn't as long as I expected). Nice to see Britt Eckland and Ingrid Pitt amongst the recognisable faces also. I think one of the main attractions to the film were the locations. The opening shots of Howie in his plane overlooking 'The Old Man of Storr' and the finale on the cliffs were breathtaking (especially on this Blu Ray)! The music was something else that surprised me, it almost felt like a musical (in a good way!) Overall, I can see why this film gets such high praise and will definitely be revisiting it (especially with the various cuts available on the Blu Ray). Just wish I could have seen it on a big screen. A unique masterpiece of film!