9 Intense Movies That Need a Break Halfway Through

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Movies have always served as a platform to question societal norms and test limits. One method cinema uses to achieve this is by crafting art that is unusually intense, often challenging many viewers. However, this very challenge has drawn in a particular audience seeking the next thrill. Genres such as horror and thriller particularly excel at creating intense situations; some films have even gained notoriety for their confrontational style, from “I Spit on Your Grave” (1978) to “A Serbian Film” (2010); while the Mondo film label pushed boundaries further by combining real footage with re-enactments of taboo and graphic content, blending fact and fiction.

Striking a delicate equilibrium between sheer shock value and powerful intensity can be elusive for many films, but these ten cinematic masterpieces have skillfully achieved this balance, providing an indelible impact on viewers. Despite their high-intensity nature, which may necessitate multiple viewings, they are designed in such a way that audiences feel compelled to revisit them following a short pause to gather their thoughts.

9
‘Kotoko’ (2011)

A woman named Kotoko, who is referred to as such in the title, finds herself battling daily life due to an uncommon mental condition that causes her to perceive multiple versions of people, one of whom behaves aggressively towards her. As her trust in these malevolent visions grows, she contemplates the unthinkable – terminating her own child, only to be stopped before she could hurl him off a high place. With her child taken away and her alone, Kotoko embarks on a frantic mission to reclaim her child. This journey compels her to confront her fear and loathing of mankind while seeking solace in the company of a tormented author she encounters during her most critical moments.

A Mother Will do Anything For Her Child

Film director Shinya Tsukamoto is recognized for his bold and provocative style within the film industry, best exemplified by movies like the groundbreaking body horror film “Tetsuo The Iron Man” and “Tokyo Fist“. In contrast, “Kotoko” provides a subtler yet chilling portrayal of a mother’s mental health battle. This movie can be quite demanding to watch in one go due to the ongoing depiction of Kotoko’s deteriorating cognitive state.

The movie is overwhelming with scenes depicting self-harm, a boyfriend seeking pain, hallucinations of random people attacking her violently… It’s hard to process all this. However, what truly intensifies the film is Kokoto’s relentless longing to regain custody of her child and our understanding that such a reunion could be disastrous. Her fixation on her son during their brief meeting is just as intense and unsettling as any violent scene in the movie.

8
‘Masking Threshold’ (2022)

A person with Tinnitus, feeling frustrated by doctors’ persistent inability to diagnose his condition, decides to take action himself. He conducts various sound and video experiments at home, which gradually become increasingly intense and disturbing. The film, primarily shot using a microscopic camera, delivers close-up visuals, disconcerting audio, and a lone narrator who appears to be losing his sanity over time.

Putting Fear Under a Microscope

Masking Threshold offers an immersive audiovisual journey unlike any other, with its power stemming from the overwhelming sensation of being trapped within a tormented mind. The protagonist, left unnamed, grapples with increasingly severe mental turmoil and desperate attempts to understand his presumed medical condition. At times, he finds solace in contemplating the suffering of animals and insects, serving as a strange yet revealing metaphor for his own situation. The practical effects, captured under a microscope, are strikingly realistic, adding to the unsettling experience.

7
‘Bad Lieutenant’ (1992)

A character portrayed exceptionally by Harvey Keitel, who remains nameless in the story, delves into the dark corners of New York City as a member of its vast law enforcement agency. Yet, instead of upholding justice, he exploits his position to mistreat others, indulge heavily in drugs, and harass innocent citizens at random. However, an encounter with a nun who has been sexually assaulted, along with the investigation into this crime, gradually reveals his immorality and depravity, as the victim extends forgiveness towards her attackers.

Beyond Police Corruption

Watching Abel Ferrara’s “Bad Lieutenant” is highly recommended due to its rich depth and insightful social commentary. This film leaves a lasting impression even after the credits roll. However, it may be challenging to engage with this movie, as it swiftly moves from one scene to another featuring an unappealing protagonist who lacks any redeeming qualities. The power of the film doesn’t primarily stem from its actions, although there are some rough and immoral incidents, but rather from your identification with Keitel’s character as he wreaks havoc on others’ lives for his own benefit.

6
‘Scum’ (1979)

Originally prohibited in its homeland of Britain, the novel “Scum” chronicles the lives of three young characters, Carlin, Angel, and Davis, who are trying to find their way within the juvenile correctional system, known as a borstal, during the 1970s. Each character embarks on a distinct journey, but they all encounter violence, a flawed power structure, and severe emotional and physical abuse. The television adaptation underwent extensive edits by the BBC, eventually being released years after its initial intended broadcast.

Exploring Systematic Cruelty in the Juvenile System

In preparing for the movie, director Alan Clarke drew from real-life experiences recounted in interviews, resulting in a pervasive sense of sadness and authentic cruelty towards children in the film Scum. Essentially, it portrays youngsters who are unceremoniously cast into a harsh, corrupt reformatory system without much context or tragic build-up. The graphic depictions of suicide are heartbreaking, while the violence among the children is shockingly brutal and hard to stomach. Watching this movie is an emotional roller coaster that’s challenging to finish in one sitting due to its heavy themes.

5
‘Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer’ (1986)

Henry: Sketch of a Serial Killer chronicles the story of Henry and Otis, two individuals who share a chilling bond as they carry out a string of murders across Chicago. However, when Otis’s sister Becky gets entangled in their activities, the friendship that thrives on shared violence starts to unravel.

Up Close With A Killer

The film “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer” revolves around a series of brutal murders that are only loosely connected by a plot. At first glance, this may appear to be sensationalism, but the movie was actually quite progressive and impactful in numerous ways, as it was made decades before similar films. Even today, many viewers find it just as intense and powerful as more recent works, earning high praise from both fans and critics alike. However, due to the graphic and prolonged nature of each murder scene, watching this movie in one sitting can be quite challenging.

4
‘Liverleaf’ (2018)

A fresh transfer student, Haruka Nozaki, encounters harassment in a quaint Japanese village. Matters worsen when the student who endures more torment than Haruka is compelled to torch Nozaki’s home, resulting in the loss of her loved ones. In this secluded community, the tragic deaths are chalked up as unfortunate mishaps despite clear signs of arson. Haunted by grief and vengeance, Haruka embarks on a quest for retribution, methodically tracking down and eliminating her classmates one at a time.

An Intense Revenge Story

As a film enthusiast, I must confess that the relentless torment and school system’s unhelpful response had already left me on edge with Liverleaf. However, when the violence escalates to an overt level, it becomes necessary for viewers to pause and reflect as the narrative shifts from heart-wrenching tragedy to gut-wrenching brutality. Inspired by Rensuke Oshikiri’s manga, Liverleaf powerfully employs brutality as a poignant critique of Japan’s flawed educational system and its failure to address bullying issues. Simultaneously, the film is visually breathtaking, and the kill scenes are both startling and mesmerizing.

3
‘The House That Jack Built’ (2018)

The film titled “The House That Jack Built” centers around Jack (played by Matt Dillon), who transitioned from an unsuccessful architect to a ruthless serial killer. Over the past twelve years, he shares his chilling tale of murder with another person. Each murder scene is depicted in gruesome detail, such as the tragic incident involving a young family including two boys. As Jack’s crimes become increasingly horrific, one of the most jaw-dropping twists in film history occurs when he constructs a “house” – a tiny shelter made from the bodies of his victims.

As Tough To Get Through as It Is Boundary-Pushing

As a devotee of Lars von Trier, I’ve always admired his audacious approach to filmmaking that often leaves festival audiences in awe or dismay. The screening of “The House That Jack Built” at the 2018 Cannes International Film Festival sparked walkouts and criticism for its graphic violence. However, aficionados of von Trier’s distinctive artistic style, which tackles thought-provoking topics, have lauded the film. The climax is particularly noteworthy, and I believe it’s a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that tests boundaries; just be prepared to pause between the harrowing scenes of violence.

2
‘Brawl in Cell Block 99’ (2017)

To help his expectant spouse, Bradley Thomas (played by Vince Vaughn), who was previously a boxer and out-of-work auto mechanic, resorts to dealing drugs. However, following an arrest, he’s put in prison where a deal is proposed: kill another inmate to protect his family. Imprisoned in a secluded part of the facility housing only the most violent, untreatable criminals, Bradley orchestrates turmoil to find himself near his target.

The Grittiest Crime Thriller

Engaging with the raw intensity of Vince Vaughn as he assumes the character of a ruthless inmate fighting other prisoners and guards is quite an immersive experience. In terms of gritty crime thrillers, Brawl in Cell Block 99 doesn’t get any more realistic or intense. As Bradley’s desperation grows, the violence escalates making it challenging to finish in one sitting, but the desire to witness his triumph and rescue his family keeps viewers coming back.

1
‘Ebola Syndrome’ (1996)

In a restaurant, an employee named Kai San finds himself in a scandalous situation when he’s caught having an affair with his boss’s wife. This triggers a heated argument, escalating into a violent altercation. Fleeing from the consequences of his actions in Hong Kong, Kai moves to Africa where he contracts Ebola. Upon returning home under a new identity, Kai starts feeling unwell but eventually discovers that he is among the few individuals who can contract the disease without dying from it.

Breaking Multiple Taboo’s

In Hong Kong, ‘Cat III’ refers to a rating that limits the audience to those aged 18 and above due to its explicit content. During the ’90s, this rating became more than just a restriction, evolving into a genre of its own, promising an extreme portrayal of violence, sexism, and deviant behavior. One of the most well-known films that fit this description is “Ebola Syndrome.” To some, it’s so absurdly over-the-top that it borders on being comical with a dark undertone. However, for those new to HK Cat III, “Ebola Syndrome” covers almost every taboo topic quickly, making it challenging for the unaccustomed viewer to watch it in one sitting.

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2025-02-16 04:33