Customer Reviews

Silent Hill (Widescreen Edition)

5 star:		(124)
4 star:		(82)
3 star:		(61)
2 star:		(42)
1 star:		(40)

 

 

Silent Hill is a movie based on a video game.

Still reading? Good, because you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that, unlike every other video game-based movie ever made, this is a great film! And it's a great film that fans of the game can enjoy as well as moviegoers who never heard of the game (or who have been offended by the drek that usually comes to the theaters in the guise of video game movies).

Silent Hill is a ghost town that was abandoned in the seventies because of an underground coal fire and now haunts the nightmares of a little girl. In an attempt to help her adoptive daughter Sharon (Jodelle Ferland), Rose (Radha Mitchell) takes her to Silent Hill and enters a nightmare-like alternate reality. Going any further into the plot would spoil the surprises in this film and the surprises are part of the fun.

The creatures that inhabit this alternate Silent Hill are very disturbing and nightmarish and they move in a very fluid way that is both familiar and strange at the same time. Seeing them in action (and, unlike most horror films, in full lighting) causes an almost immediate flight or fight reaction until the rational side of your brain remembers that it's only a movie.

Also on the plus side is the music of Silent Hill. Very creepy, very fitting, and, very good; at least half of the reason this film works so well is because the music and sound effects do so well in conveying the sense that something is moving just beyond your vision.

There is a downside to the film and it occurs almost dead center in the film. The beginning and ending of the movie is rife with psychological-based horror, and creatures dredged up from the depths of nightmares. But the middle is where we get an explanation for what's going on and it's a jarring change of pace that, thankfully, doesn't last too long.

But the rest of the film makes up for that one pacing stutter and the entire film comes together in a great conclusion that may or may not hint at a sequel.

Silent Hill also accomplished two very important things; it proves that a video game can be successfully translated into a great film, and it restored my faith in the horror genre' by giving me real chills without resorting to cheap tricks.

A must see!

I went with my mom to see this movie because surprisingly my mom really likes horror flicks and loves these kinds of movies. I thought it would be very boring but it turned out to be a very mindbending and one of the most scariest movie moments i've ever experienced, buy this dvd. The only part i did not really like was the shocking ending but other than that BUY IT.

I am a fan of the Silent Hill games.

I read nothing but negative critics about this movie and I thought it might be a bad one... until I saw it. This one is an outstanding work. The story is unique and brilliant, as well as the acting, even the smallest parts are played by very talented actors. The director took care of all the details to make a perfect and scary movie about Silent Hill. Amazing. Can't wait to get the R2 version.

Before I give my opinion of the movie, I just want to say that my wife HATES scary movies and especially horror movies. She sat down with me and watched this and was glued to the television, completely involved. More so than me. (I wanted to watch it at night when it was dark, but she won't... too scary.) About halfway through, I mentioned the cliffs, the streets that have been broken apart as if Silent Hill were cut off from the world and how it was just like the video game... cool. She said, "This was a video game?"

So, before I begin, this is an excellent film and you don't have to know the video game to enjoy it. In fact, it is recommended, because you'll know less about what is coming and what to expect.

Silent Hill is hands down the most successful Video game to Movie transfer to date, and I don't say that based on revenue. I say that based on quality of film and quality of entertainment.

Rose (Radha Mitchell) and Chris DaSilva (Sean Bean) have adopted a beautiful and charming little girl named Sharon (Jodelle Ferland). Knowing little of her past or where she came from, they are mystified and frustrated by the elaborate sleepwalking incidents and the unconscious mentioning of a mysterious ghost town named SILENT HILL. Getting nowhere with doctors or medication, Rose, in desperation, decides to bring Sharon to SILENT HILL and get to the bottom of her dreams.

SILENT HILL is a fantastic mix of movie elements. It's not just a horror movie. It is a mystery. It is a riddle. It's the story of a Mother and Father who'll do anything to save their adopted daughter from her torment. On top of that, it's a wonderful display of graphics, visual effects and creature creation.

As Officer Bennett (Laurie Holden) and Rose stare in amazement at the fact that the road they came in on has seemingly destroyed by a catastrophic earthquake, the blob-like armless man lumbers their way with its legs bowed inward. A fantastic build up of what's to come and what they're in for.

I won't give away the elements of the story that make this a fantastic viewing experience. Giving away the elements will destroy the fun of the mystery. I will say that the movie managed to stay true to the game, but also took it in a completely different direction. The creators of the film made some great choices with their creative liberties.

From the opening moments to the closing moments, SILENT HILL is intriguing and interesting. It never rests. It is solid from top to bottom. I'm not sure why I don't give it 5 stars, because I really liked it. I've only seen it once, but it is certainly right up there in my favorite collection of horror dvds.

Let me start by saying I've never played the games, but I have watched my son play them. The games are creepy to the extreme, and this movie manages to pull off the atmosphere perfectly. Whether you are a game player or just a moviegoer, this film is a treat to the horror fan who loves an extra dollop of disturbing and sinister eeriness on their gore.

Rose Da Silva (played expertly by Rahda Mitchell - Pitch Black, Man On Fire) knows there is something deeply wrong with her sleepwalking adopted daughter, Sharon. Against the wishes of her husband Christopher (Sean Bean - Fellowship Of The Ring), Rose decides to take Sharon on a road trip back to Sharon's town of birth, Silent Hill. Big mistake.

After a run from police officer Cybil Bennett (Laurie Holden - Young Catherine, Fantastic Four), Rose crashes her car on the border of the cordoned off city of Silent Hill, evacuated because of an underground mine fire. When Rose regains consciousness, Sharon is gone and Officer Bennett is intent on arresting her. That is, until the two women discover that Silent Hill is now shut off from the rest of the world by a gaping chasm.

Rose and Cybil return to the town to look for Sharon, but the town is really messed up. Signals over the radio and cell phones announce the coming of squishy, disgusting horrors, and the fallout siren announces the arrival of a strange, alternate dimension. Sharon is still here, somewhere, and Rose will stop at nothing to find her little girl.

This movie is ALL atmosphere. The sinister ambiance, the gut-wrenching mood, will make you forget everything else. The FX is great, not just with the surroundings but also with Mr. Triangle Head (who appears in a particular skin-ripping scene that will leave you retching or reaching for popcorn). Alice Krige (Star Trek TNG as the Borg Queen) plays a very over-the-top religious leader to perfection. And the ending will leave you gasping for air, if you have any breath left after your ride through this spooked out town.

Note: I couldn't help but hear Simply Red's song "Night Nurse" during Rose's foray into the basement. You will see what I mean, then look up the song. I'm twisted, but it fits. 'Silent Hill' is a definite purchase. Enjoy!

For a truly unique film experience check out "Silent Hill". As a fan of the games I expected to be impressed but anyone looking for innovative filmmaking and extraordinary (WOW) production design should find this film fascinating. I am firmly convinced that Gans and Avery have hit a home run here.

For those who have never seen the game, "Silent Hill" is the best ever survival/ horror game series. It is difficult and confusing (a lot of mazes and D&D-like details) so expect major disorientation at times during the film-which is a bit like actually playing the game.

The acting was convincing, the editing extraordinary, and the atmosphere oppressive. Not 100% how I visualized it before viewing but even the differences tended to work in favor of the film.

The town itself looked and actually felt familiar, unlike the mess they made of "House of Wax". This is definitely the sort of film best seen on the big screen with a theater sound system. Everyone should be totally creeped out.

Enough said, more at this stage might spoil things so read on only if you have already seen the film or if you don't mind some spoilers.

Dahlia Gillespie had a daughter (by an unknown father) named Alessa. Alessa became the town outcast until a bunch of religious nuts (led by Christabella) decided she was a witch and must be sacrificed to keep evil out of Silent Hill. Dahlia went along with this because she was afraid of her own damnation for having the child. But the ceremony went wrong and the nutcases were not just killed but sent to a netherworld between heaven and hell.

The dark side of Alessa ended up in the same place but she was split into duel entities and the good part stayed in the normal world where she was adopted by Rose and Chris, and named Sharon. Sharon's sleepwalking is caused by her connection with Alessa who wants her to return to Silent Hill.

On the way to Silent Hill, Rose and Sharon arouse the suspicions of a motorcycle policewoman (Cybil Bennett). This happens because Cybil has been extremely protective of children since she saved a little boy from a psychopath. Cybil follows them to Silent Hill (once a coal mining town that was abandoned because of a burning seam of coal under the town). At the town limits a mysterious girl appears and both vehicles crash. When Rose and Cybil regain consciousness Sharon is gone.

As they explore the abandoned buildings they discover a church with a warning siren where the religious cult hides when Alessa (presumably) causes a darkness to take over the town; for some reason the darkness and Alessa cannot enter the church. It turns out that Alessa sent her Sharon identity back into the world of the living to bring back someone (Rose) who can take her into the church where she can finally exact her revenge.

Everyone is dead in the netherworld of Silent Hill, even Rose and Cybil-they don't know it yet but they died in the accident-because you can only enter the town if you are dead. Alessa needs Rose which is why she died, it was just Cybil's bad luck to have been involved in the accident.

The tip off to their being parallel towns comes when Rose's husband Chris enters the real Silent Hill and finds nothing supernatural in the place; although he senses a connection with his wife and adopted daughter, he finds no tangible sign of them. Rose passes right through him and the ending scene of Rose and Sharon in their home is blurred, but the scene with Chris in the parallel home is completely clear.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

Most people would think this movie is too "weird" for them, but I loved it!!! Big fan of the video game as well. This movie held my attention and made me smile. Also, I absolutely LOVED the barbed wire scene towards the end. Great!!! I am the author of The Shadow God and Spiritual Sorrow.

When Silent Hill hit theaters, I never had a chance to see it because my girlfriend was too afraid to go to it. I waited faithfully for the release date, and here's what I have to say.

Bravo! This isn't just based on the game... it's BETTER than the game! I loved how the director pulled music straight out of Silent Hill 2 in order to give the appropriate atmosphere for gamers. The monsters were spot-on, and the plot was a mysterious one that cleared up nicely by the end. Enough blood and disturbing images to satisfy any horror film dunderhead!!!

I've played the game and now I own the movie. Let's see if they'll make another one!

All the reviews of this movie have either been positive or negative. People seem to either love this movie or hate this movie; I for one am in the middle but leaning more (much more) towards like. Of course going into the movie with the information I had on it is also influencing my review.

Rose cannot accept the knowledge that her daughter Sharon is dying of a fatal disease. Over the protests of her husband, she flees with her child, intending to take the girl to a faith healer. On the way, she ends up driving through a portal in reality, which takes her to the eerie and deserted town of Silent Hill. Sharon disappears in Silent Hill, and Rose follows what she thinks is her daughter's silhouette all over town. It's soon clear the town is not like any place she's ever been. It's inhabited by a variety of creatures and a living darkness that descends and literally transforms everything it touches. The human inhabitants - the ones who are left - are trapped and fighting a losing battle against the Darkness. Joined by a cop named Cybil, who has been sent to bring her and Sharon back, Rose searches for her little girl while learning the history of Silent Hill and that Sharon is just a pawn in a larger game...

That's the premise of Christophe Gans' game to movie adaptation. I went in to this movie knowing the premise. I've never played any of the games in this series but I really want to. Gans' did a terrific directing job. The sets look amazing. Everything is beautifully shot and he uses some camera angles which I am going to assume resemble the games' angles in some parts. All in all, his directing job is very well done; you can tell he loves this series.

The script for this movie has been under a lot of scrutiny. Ok, it's not perfect and yes, it does have some corny, cheesy and out of place dialogue but I looked past that. I could have used without Rose yelling "Sharon!" over and over and over and over again. I was expecting Ozzy Osbourne to pop up and share in the yelling.

The acting is what you'd expect in this kind of movie. Who's here is solid, not the best but they get the job done. Mitchell does a great job as Rose while Sean Bean is just there. Jodelle Ferland is good as the child as well. The score is just ho-hum. It's not bad but it's nothing memorable. They use the "Silent Hill Theme" too much (don't know if that's the games' theme they're using or the movie's theme).

The effects in this are top notch. The monsters are inventive and creepy. They're unlike anything I've seen. It also helps they're not all CGI. They're people underneath there and there's very little CGI used.

Ok, now to the information on why I rated this a little higher than I normally would have. This movie's run time is 125 minutes (approx.). Things seem missing at some places and not everything makes sense at the end. That's because the original cut was longer than King Kong, it was 3 and a half hours! So yeah, lots of things were cut, I guess that's why I'm being lenient to it and not bashing it. I went in expecting that and wasn't disappointed. This gets a higher grade because I understood things got cut out. The movie entertained me anyways. So I wasn't fully aware of what was going on in some places but I was so wrapped up in the world I was drawn into that I really didn't care. That's kind of like Doom, it's an empty empty movie but it's fun. Silent Hill is a movie with a simple plot and things were cut out but it was fun. Was Doom a "good" movie? No. Was it a "fun" movie? Yes and that's all that matters for a flick like this. I didn't go into this movie expecting gold in the first place and I wasn't let down. I guess the biggest thing that irked me was the ending. I heard about this huge amazing ending that left the movie wide open for a sequel. Sorry, it didn't. Sure, the ending was damn cool but wasn't what I was expecting, which is my fault and not the movie's. I enjoyed the very ending cause we don't get full closure. The ending is enigmatic but it doesn't hurt the film. My other large complaint is that the Sean Bean character really serves no purpose. His scenes only detract us from Rose's situation, a world that we've become a part of and entwined in.

So no, this isn't a perfect movie, not many are. And yes, things were cut out and that will cause people to be lost. Is this the definitive videogame movie? Far from it. But I went in knowing this wasn't Gans' true vision, just his best effort to put out what he was allowed and for that I congratulate him. He created a pretty alright videogame movie. I'm hoping his cut is a great one. The dialogue will make you laugh and the acting isn't the greatest but it's supposed to be a fun ride and I for one am glad I took that ride.

NOTE: I actually give this movie a 3.5 but seeing as how I can't give it that on the star line...you know.

Now, in all honesty, I've never played the game, so I can't even say how closely it followed the storyline or the premise of the video game. I can say, however, that as far as horror movies go this one can stand on its own. The atmosphere that the director makes is one so dark and moody it's just creepy. The actions behind the faith and religion of those left in Silent Hill is downright scary, and the acting wasn't half bad. I know there aren't a lot of moments that will make you jump or scream, but the movie is disturbing and it is psychologically overpowering in moments. I may be wrong in all this because I've never played the game, but I feel that this is one of the better horror movies to come out in a while.