I remember seeing this movie many years ago at an American movie theater (it wasn’t a special event screening or anything like that) it was a period film, not sure if dubbed, and mostly a drama. There might have been some martial arts but I don’t recall. Only thing that has stuck with me is that one of the main character(s) is sentenced to death at the end, they are then beheaded off screen and we see various shots of a very fine mist of blood spraying or landing on clothing, leaves, the ground, etc. It wasn’t a violent film and I believe the main character was a grown daughter and her mother, I wanna say the daughter had an affair with some nobility or something and that’s why they were killed.
Any help would be much appreciated.
I know it’s not crouching tiger, house of flying daggers, or hero… the movie definitely got it’s release before 2008 but after 2000
I’ve always loved this film and thought it was really intense and super effective. The plot is simple and executed so well. The direction/cinematography is amazing and really makes you feel like you’re there with them or experiencing the events yourself. The entire film Is so well shot and staged. I love the wide shot of Liv in the kitchen only for baghead to walk into frame from the dark room behind her and just stand there and watch her without her knowledge. Love how this shot lingers. I also love the moment where we see them each take off all the masks only for the camera to cut away right before we see their faces. Overall such a well directed film.
The cabin out in the middle of nowhere is a great location and one where it’s layout is used well. It’s a beautiful cabin, but feels scary at night because of it’s secluded location and grows to feel less safe as the film goes on. The killer’s that pop in and out and float around the property are so menacing as well. Their quietness and calm nature as they just watch our couple adds to how scary they are and feel. Every shot of them is great and threatening. I also love the masks and thought they were creepy and the perfect touch. Visually they’re great.
The performances are strong and I like that our two lead characters are just these average mundane people who happen to be going through this awkward, uncomfortable personal situation only to then be dropped into this terrifying situation. The atmosphere, suspense and tension that this film ratchets up is amazing. I also really liked the film’s soundtrack and it’s unnerving usage of country music. Specifically the scene where baghead surprises Liv at the patio door and she knocks into the record player and the song just starts skipping. Also later on when one of the killer’s turns it when Liv and Scott were hiding is a creepy little touch.
Overall an effective home invasion film that still manages to make me uncomfortable and tense after repeat viewings. I also love how this film doesn’t feel safe like a majority of other’s do. This film is a total success and one that manages to be so because of it’s simple ideas that are so well and eerily executed.
“Why are you doing this to us?”
“Because you were home”
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