44 reviews
The most deeply disturbing film I have ever seen
No distributor has been foolish enough to try and get this film past the British film censors, (you have to pay, even if your movie is rejected), but it was shown at two local festivals, and at the London screening, an initial audience of about 150 was reduced to a mere 12 by the end. It is unremittingly grim, harrowing and disturbing, and yet it probes the darkest depths to which humankind can sink, and demands that we confront "the unspeakable" which is so often avoided precisely because it is to painful to even speak about. My only moral reservation about this film is the use of very young actors in it. Although on the end credits there is a disclaimer stating that the highest standards of probity were employed during the film's production with regard to minors, I cannot see how some scenes were filmed without the youngsters having some idea of their sado-sexual context. Under British law, the public exhibition of such a film would be illegal unless it could be proven that clever editing etc., avoided these minors being aware of the scene's context. That said however, it is a film I would defend since it goes to the very heart of humankind's propensity for cruelty and barbarism, using the metaphors of authoritarian politics and authoritarian sexuality. And, after all, the film only shows being done to humans what society daily visits upon the animal kingdom - it is just a question of degree. To describe it as a "horror" film is wrong; it is unique and beyond categorization, although "horrendous" is certainly apt.
- Dave Godin
- Sep 15, 1999
- Permalink
Strange and disturbing art-shocker film with original but slow direction by Agusti Villaronga
Spanish ¨cult movie¨ with astonishing images and deliberately paced . This moving as well as strong story is an emotive recounting and an intense horror drama , including tragedy , deaths and bloody executions by hanging , stabbing and other means . After torturing and murdering his latest victim , a Nazi doctor named Klaus (Gunter Meisner) throws himself off a roof , all of it has been secretly witnessed by a little boy . Some years later, his suicide failed attempt , his wife Griselda (Marisa Paredes, Almodovar's ordinary) decides to contract a worker to care him . As Klaus is forced to be confined to an artifact contains an iron lung and to accept a mysterious boy called Angelo (David Sust) as his nurse under threat of blackmail . Meanwhile , Angelo befriends Klaus' daughter (Echevarria) , and the rare teenager possesses the Klaus's diary, which details his wartime experiments in concentration camps and his ulteriorly descent into pedophilia and killing .
The picture is full of suspense , mystery , screechy bursts of violence and lots of blood and gore . As this terror as well as claustrophobic flick shown to the audience gets more and more violent . This slick horror feast is a triumph of style over movie logic . It's packed with overwhelming as well as upsetting images , excessive violence and grotesque killings . Here is treated some disturbing issues such as fetish for young boys , pedophilia , sodomy , eerie tortures and grisly killings . Good acting by Gunter Meisner as former Nazi doctor-turned-pedophile , paralyzed from the neck down and who subsequently feels guilt . Günter Meisner originally turned down the role , horrified by the story . According to Villaronga , Meisner called him a few weeks later to accept the part, arguing he couldn't stop thinking about it . Gunter was a character actor who worked continuously in movies due to his aristocratic style , making him ideal for typecasting in British and later American films as Nazis and other vile , despicable roles , what was ironic about his typecasting as a Nazi is that he stayed in a Nazi death camp during World War II . Although well-known for playing Hitler and various others warlike movies , Meisner was a fine actor who played several support roles , being specially known for his secondaries in ¨The Boys from Brazil¨ , ¨Night crossing¨, ¨Ace of Aces¨ , ¨Avalanche Express¨ and his character as Mr Slugworth in ¨Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory ¨ . Furthermore , disturbing acting by David Sust as a boy secretly witnessed the doctor's torture , displaying his ambition to follow in the older man's footsteps and finally unleashes his own criminal spree .
Director/writer Agustí Villaronga said that the origin of the story came when he read about Giles De Rais (1404-1440), a devoutly religious follower of Joan of Arc who fought valiantly on her side and was later trialed and executed by the Catholic Church for heresy and sexual crimes committed against children . As Rais served as a commander in the Royal Army, distinguishing himself by displaying reckless bravery on the battlefield during the renewal of the Hundred Years War . He killed, or ordered to be killed , a great but uncertain number of children after he committed sodomy upon them . In fact , forty bodies were discovered in Machecoul , France , in 1437 . Gilles' body-servant Étienne Corrillaut , known as Poitou, was an accomplice in many of the crimes and testified that his master hung his victims with ropes from a hook . The victims were killed by decapitation, cutting of their throats, dismemberment, or breaking of their necks with a stick . Rais's prosecution would be on charges which included murder , sodomy, and heresy. The precise number of Gilles' victims is not known, as most of the bodies were burned or buried. The number of murders is generally placed between 80 and 200; a few have conjectured numbers upwards of 600 . The victims ranged in age from six to eighteen and included both sexes.
Downbeat and frightening musical score by Javier Navarrete . Dark as well colorful cinematography by Jaume Peracaula . This motion picture titled ¨In a glass cage¨ or ¨Tras el Cristal¨ was compellingly directed by Agusti Villaronga . Agusti was born in 1953 in Majorca, Balearic Islands ; he uses to make films including genuine chills , suspense , mystery and dark atmospheres . His movies pack excellent creation of taut , thriller , emotions and rare atmospheres such as ¨Aro Tolbukhin¨ , ¨El mar¨ , ¨El Niño De la Luna¨ also starred by Gunter Meisner and especially ¨Black bread¨ or ¨Pan Negro¨ , or Pa Negre¨ , this was his greatest success , winning several Goyas .
The picture is full of suspense , mystery , screechy bursts of violence and lots of blood and gore . As this terror as well as claustrophobic flick shown to the audience gets more and more violent . This slick horror feast is a triumph of style over movie logic . It's packed with overwhelming as well as upsetting images , excessive violence and grotesque killings . Here is treated some disturbing issues such as fetish for young boys , pedophilia , sodomy , eerie tortures and grisly killings . Good acting by Gunter Meisner as former Nazi doctor-turned-pedophile , paralyzed from the neck down and who subsequently feels guilt . Günter Meisner originally turned down the role , horrified by the story . According to Villaronga , Meisner called him a few weeks later to accept the part, arguing he couldn't stop thinking about it . Gunter was a character actor who worked continuously in movies due to his aristocratic style , making him ideal for typecasting in British and later American films as Nazis and other vile , despicable roles , what was ironic about his typecasting as a Nazi is that he stayed in a Nazi death camp during World War II . Although well-known for playing Hitler and various others warlike movies , Meisner was a fine actor who played several support roles , being specially known for his secondaries in ¨The Boys from Brazil¨ , ¨Night crossing¨, ¨Ace of Aces¨ , ¨Avalanche Express¨ and his character as Mr Slugworth in ¨Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory ¨ . Furthermore , disturbing acting by David Sust as a boy secretly witnessed the doctor's torture , displaying his ambition to follow in the older man's footsteps and finally unleashes his own criminal spree .
Director/writer Agustí Villaronga said that the origin of the story came when he read about Giles De Rais (1404-1440), a devoutly religious follower of Joan of Arc who fought valiantly on her side and was later trialed and executed by the Catholic Church for heresy and sexual crimes committed against children . As Rais served as a commander in the Royal Army, distinguishing himself by displaying reckless bravery on the battlefield during the renewal of the Hundred Years War . He killed, or ordered to be killed , a great but uncertain number of children after he committed sodomy upon them . In fact , forty bodies were discovered in Machecoul , France , in 1437 . Gilles' body-servant Étienne Corrillaut , known as Poitou, was an accomplice in many of the crimes and testified that his master hung his victims with ropes from a hook . The victims were killed by decapitation, cutting of their throats, dismemberment, or breaking of their necks with a stick . Rais's prosecution would be on charges which included murder , sodomy, and heresy. The precise number of Gilles' victims is not known, as most of the bodies were burned or buried. The number of murders is generally placed between 80 and 200; a few have conjectured numbers upwards of 600 . The victims ranged in age from six to eighteen and included both sexes.
Downbeat and frightening musical score by Javier Navarrete . Dark as well colorful cinematography by Jaume Peracaula . This motion picture titled ¨In a glass cage¨ or ¨Tras el Cristal¨ was compellingly directed by Agusti Villaronga . Agusti was born in 1953 in Majorca, Balearic Islands ; he uses to make films including genuine chills , suspense , mystery and dark atmospheres . His movies pack excellent creation of taut , thriller , emotions and rare atmospheres such as ¨Aro Tolbukhin¨ , ¨El mar¨ , ¨El Niño De la Luna¨ also starred by Gunter Meisner and especially ¨Black bread¨ or ¨Pan Negro¨ , or Pa Negre¨ , this was his greatest success , winning several Goyas .
Dark, Bizarre and Disturbing
- claudio_carvalho
- Jan 6, 2012
- Permalink
Intensily disturbing film
- Camera-Obscura
- Dec 4, 2006
- Permalink
Definitely not a film to watch with the family at Christmas
- fluff-bomb
- Nov 21, 2014
- Permalink
dismal, dreary, and too long
- Jonny_Numb
- Oct 28, 2003
- Permalink
An unflinching gaze into the abyss of human corruption
Great masturbation scene but not much else
- the_cinesexual
- Mar 28, 2007
- Permalink
Supremely dark and disturbing horror film.
"In a Glass Cage" has to be one of the most disturbing horror films ever made.The film is extremely intense and so incredibly depressing and powerful in its honest depiction of mankind's failure and instincts towards violence and sadism.The soundtrack is outstanding and the music alone will make the viewer speechless,not to speak the sound of an iron lung that has to be among the most disgusting sounds I've ever heard.The acting is excellent,but there are several truly disturbing scenes of pedophilia and child murder."In a Glass Cage" is a very difficult movie to watch,however you'll also walk away mesmerized by the disgusting beauty of this film itself.Nazi doctor Meisner abused and killed many young boys during war.After a suicide attempt he is now paralyzed and confined to an iron lung.One day,his former victim Angelo comes to work for him as a nurse.However,the revenge he has planned for the cripple is dominated by traumatic perversion.Give this overlooked masterpiece a look.10 out of 10.
- HumanoidOfFlesh
- Nov 9, 2004
- Permalink
Uneven, but interesting film
John Waters described this film as more intense than Pasolini's Salo. I must say I disagree. This film starts out intensely, and contains some nerve wracking suspense but fades into mediocrity as the graphic murders begin. It does contain a couple of very disturbing scenes of the murder of young boys but is by far less gory, or brutal than say Wes Craven's Nightmare On Elm Street (which is considered entertainment),this film was made as a statement but not as entertainment. Even Salo is not as violent as a Freddie Krueger film, and that character is an icon to some. Neither Salo, nor this film in any way titillates and though I in no way blame anyone for being offended by either film, accusing the filmmakers of promoting sadism or pedophilia makes me wonder if those who accuse have really watched these films (at least seriously). If you want to see a disturbing, exploitative film - watch Cannibal Holocaust. That film is trash. This film, as it is, is interesting (and yes, disturbing) but it is only a partially successful meditation upon the depths of human depravity.
- cinemaofdreams
- Mar 22, 2002
- Permalink
Dull
- horizon2008
- Nov 10, 2013
- Permalink
My God this one is Disturbing!
It's a horror film alright. No doubts
- veganflimgeek
- May 20, 2004
- Permalink
disturbing
I like to think that i'm a fairly open minded person, I'm also an artist(painter). But I feel compelled to write this about this film. There are a lot of evil things that have gone on throughout humankind's history , some warrant being made into movies or paintings or other forms of art. Not all things warrant this. I can't begin to imagine the type of human being that would derive any sort of satisfaction from viewing this particular attempt at art. The actors were amazing and i'm by no means trying to take away from their performances , but my god.
Repulsive, distinctive film to rot your soul's core.
There are few films as utterly repulsive - but nonetheless distinctive and well-made - as Tras el cristal. This Spanish assault on the senses is the terrible tale of a nazi torturer whose cruel desires for murdering and abusing young boys leads him to attempt suicide. His failure leaves him imprisoned in an iron lung - and us viewers in his grotesque and dirty nightmare. Attended by an assortment of ghoulish figures he deliberates his history. A new nurse is employed, however, who has a special interest in "caring" for this impotent nightmare of an individual. From there the film becomes a black vision of the psychological and physical scars which can destroy individuals and the violent force of tainted memories and shredded, wasted lives. Its a graphic film but doesn't dwell or portray the reprehensible acts of the lead character. It does contain some horrific violence and torture though spares the audience representation of the sexual abuse and more extreme details which the script skirts over.
Marisa Paredes - a familiar face from numerous Pedro Almodovar films - is suitably creepy in a small role. This film will get under your skin like a mite and disturb you for quite a while. Its nonetheless memorable and well-constructed but an endurance text for audiences used to much more "clean" treatments of these issues in American films. The film plays like a nightmare and is continuously and utterly bereft of emotion - one of its most disturbing elements amongst many, many others. But this very lack of emotion goes some way to interrogating the consciousness of the terrifyingly blank lead character. It remains banned in Australia and other territories in the early part of the 21st century. While not deserving this fate, it is not a film many will be able to bear I imagine. Its not certain the point and vision of this film goes anywhere but deep inside, rotting the soul's core. In any case, its reputation has assured it will be seen in the wrong context and for the sake of shock. Not that there's anything wrong with that... except this film begs for a more considered approach even if it goes all grand guignol and over the top in its closing 1/3.
Marisa Paredes - a familiar face from numerous Pedro Almodovar films - is suitably creepy in a small role. This film will get under your skin like a mite and disturb you for quite a while. Its nonetheless memorable and well-constructed but an endurance text for audiences used to much more "clean" treatments of these issues in American films. The film plays like a nightmare and is continuously and utterly bereft of emotion - one of its most disturbing elements amongst many, many others. But this very lack of emotion goes some way to interrogating the consciousness of the terrifyingly blank lead character. It remains banned in Australia and other territories in the early part of the 21st century. While not deserving this fate, it is not a film many will be able to bear I imagine. Its not certain the point and vision of this film goes anywhere but deep inside, rotting the soul's core. In any case, its reputation has assured it will be seen in the wrong context and for the sake of shock. Not that there's anything wrong with that... except this film begs for a more considered approach even if it goes all grand guignol and over the top in its closing 1/3.
- Mattydee74
- May 28, 2001
- Permalink
haunting!
"In A Glass Cage" is one of the most disturbing film i have ever seen ( and i have seen A LOT of movies). But, unlike "Caligula" or "Salo: 120 days of Sodom", this movie has meaning and importance. a story about a nazi sexual deviant in hiding, left helpless in an iron lung, being confronted by one of his victims is not for all tastes, but for those willing to take a peek, it will be an experience that will forever remain tattooed in the viewers memory. (***) out of 4.
Freaky Dark Disturbing
This movie definitely belongs in the horror genre. Despite not having tons of Gore, nudity, body count etc. The film definitely leaves you with a uneasy feeling while you watch.
To imagine yourself as any single character in the film portrayed is terrifying for sure.
Trigger Warning: movie involves abuse of young boys by men.
Basically years after being involved in Nazi style sex experimentation, a young man attempts to pick up the very torch of those who tortured him...
To imagine yourself as any single character in the film portrayed is terrifying for sure.
Trigger Warning: movie involves abuse of young boys by men.
Basically years after being involved in Nazi style sex experimentation, a young man attempts to pick up the very torch of those who tortured him...
- americafirstly
- Jun 27, 2022
- Permalink
A Daring And Fearless Film...
a superbly beautiful film...that still underachieves...
but I hasten to add, what the director aims to achieve is neigh unattainable.
In the DVD interview, the director says he was inspired by Georges Bataille and that author's study of Gilles de Rais, the French lord who helped Joan of Arc's campaigns, apparently with exemplary Christian zeal, and who later in life became the world's most notorious torturer and killer of children.
Bataille examines human passion with surgical precision. And he doesn't just analyse: his writings evoke the power chords of 'love' that draw their separate ways sinner and saint.
Villaronga's film falls into 'horror' genre mode at key moments in the story's development. If the director could have depicted his characters' behaviour with sustained realism, his film would , like Bataille's work, tell us more about the nature of evil and be indeed a masterpiece of cinema.
As it is, 'In a Glass Cage' is most beautifully realised with remarkable actors and isn't, finally, altogether a 'horror' film: there's enough realism to give us cause for thought.
In the DVD interview, the director says he was inspired by Georges Bataille and that author's study of Gilles de Rais, the French lord who helped Joan of Arc's campaigns, apparently with exemplary Christian zeal, and who later in life became the world's most notorious torturer and killer of children.
Bataille examines human passion with surgical precision. And he doesn't just analyse: his writings evoke the power chords of 'love' that draw their separate ways sinner and saint.
Villaronga's film falls into 'horror' genre mode at key moments in the story's development. If the director could have depicted his characters' behaviour with sustained realism, his film would , like Bataille's work, tell us more about the nature of evil and be indeed a masterpiece of cinema.
As it is, 'In a Glass Cage' is most beautifully realised with remarkable actors and isn't, finally, altogether a 'horror' film: there's enough realism to give us cause for thought.
Disturbing
This is a twisted film.
If you're set on putting yourself in a bad mood, watch 'In a Glass Cage'.
The story centers on a Nazi War Criminal/Paedophile/Child-Killer named 'Klaus' who after having fled into exile, has an accident and has to be put in an iron lung. His wife sends away for a nurse, and when a young boy named Angelo shows up, Klaus eagerly hires him, a decision he soon regrets, once it becomes clear that Angelo is just as sick, if not sicker then he is.
If you enjoy this movie, you're probably a pervert, so it's better to just say you appreciate it. Great sound effects and atmosphere here.
If you're set on putting yourself in a bad mood, watch 'In a Glass Cage'.
The story centers on a Nazi War Criminal/Paedophile/Child-Killer named 'Klaus' who after having fled into exile, has an accident and has to be put in an iron lung. His wife sends away for a nurse, and when a young boy named Angelo shows up, Klaus eagerly hires him, a decision he soon regrets, once it becomes clear that Angelo is just as sick, if not sicker then he is.
If you enjoy this movie, you're probably a pervert, so it's better to just say you appreciate it. Great sound effects and atmosphere here.
hard to sit through, even harder to forget
Ultra disturbing. Good as a film. Can't recommend to anyone, though.
First, I'll just mention that this movie was good as a movie. The acting and cinematography were quite good. That said, I'm shocked that such a film was allowed to exist back when it was released. I would be shocked to see this released even today. The graphic depictions of child sexual abuse and torture is just nauseating. It cannot be overstated how graphic this film is. It leaves almost nothing to the imagination which already is too much to bear. Again, this completely and entirely revolves around children.
I could have perhaps handled this story as a book but on film, it's crossed a boundary for me. Which I didn't actually think existed until now. It feels illegal.
I just can't recommend watching this. The film's message was crystal clear but instead of letting you find it for yourself, it shoves it down your throat and tamps it down further with a broom handle.
While I can recognize some of this film's merits, I won't ever watch it again and I would feel like a legitimately sick individual if I were to recommend it to anyone. This film makes Martyrs look like The Sound of Music.
I could have perhaps handled this story as a book but on film, it's crossed a boundary for me. Which I didn't actually think existed until now. It feels illegal.
I just can't recommend watching this. The film's message was crystal clear but instead of letting you find it for yourself, it shoves it down your throat and tamps it down further with a broom handle.
While I can recognize some of this film's merits, I won't ever watch it again and I would feel like a legitimately sick individual if I were to recommend it to anyone. This film makes Martyrs look like The Sound of Music.
Was not prepared for all the bizarreness!
Good Lord! UNCOMFORTABLE!!! Without giving too much away, this film is about a Nazi doctor/child molester that tries to commit suicide, fails and ends up in a iron lung. A dude shows up to his house claiming to be a nurse there to take care of Klaus, the Nazi child molester. Because this film is over 2 decades old, there are some major slow parts. But, all the other scenes make up for the boring parts. I felt myself saying in my head, please don't go where I think this is going
Of course it went there and it was often worse than what I was expecting. With an ending that will stay with me for a while, this is definitely one to watch alone. I would also like to point out that this is more of a Horrific Drama, very Hitchcockian.
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- ihearthorrorfilm
- Feb 16, 2013
- Permalink
Extremely intense, only for the adventurous
Talk about a movie that lives up to its reputation -- In a Glass Cage is relentlessly intense from start to finish. The story of a Nazi doctor /pedophile in hiding and the strange young man who comes to work as his "nurse," this film explores taboos with relish. Unfortunately, it devolves into horror movie shtick toward its end (thereby obfuscating the very real horrors it has developed to that point), but In a Glass Cage packs a wallop , earning its reputation as one of the more disturbing movies ever made. It 's very much a European movie, and, given its horrifying subject matter -- pedophilia, the torture and murder of children, the relationship between monsters and their victims -- it could never have been made in the U.S. Strongly recommended for viewers who have strong stomachs and are not otherwise easily offended; all others are urged to avoid it at all costs.
Weighty film, and as dark as they come
In a Glass Cage isn't an easy film to get on with, as despite the fact that it doesn't contain a lot of blood and gore, the film is horrifying thanks to the power of suggestion and the implications of its characters actions. The film takes in themes of the horrors of war as well the implications of child molestation, and puts these two heinous ideas into one character; Klaus. Klaus is a former Nazi doctor turned paedophile who has found himself paralysed from the neck down after attempting to commit suicide. He now lives in a house with his wife and daughter, but must reside at all times inside a glass tube, which is referred to as his 'glass cage'. After breaking into the house, a young man named Angelo blackmails Klaus into taking him on as a nurse, despite the wishes of Klaus' wife who doesn't warm to the young man. However, it soon transpires that Angelo harbours a wish to become like Klaus, and begins to torture the former Nazi by instigating events to reflect what he used to enjoy, and by reading him passages from a diary detailing the man's obsession.
While In a Glass Cage may not be a very enjoyable film, it has to be said that it does give its viewer a lot to think about, and writer-director Agustí Villaronga ensures that his film packs a lot of emotional weight. The way that the director keeps everything bathed in darkness helps to ensure that the look of the film is dark as its subject matter, and this helps to convey the horrific themes on display. The relationship between the doctor and his nurse always makes up the backbone of the movie, and it's also the most interesting aspect as subplots involving the wife and the daughter never reach the same dark highs. The tone of the movie is very serious, and this helped by excellent performances from all concerned. Günter Meisner's performance takes in both evil and regret, as while he doesn't get to do much physical acting; he plays his part well. The main acting plaudits go to David Sust, however, who continually impresses with his role as the nurse; also the meatiest role in the film. It has to be said that this isn't a movie for the feint of heart, as scenes involving young boys are not nice to watch and the nihilistic tone of the movie doesn't make it much fun. Still, if you can stomach unpleasantness; this movie is a treat.
While In a Glass Cage may not be a very enjoyable film, it has to be said that it does give its viewer a lot to think about, and writer-director Agustí Villaronga ensures that his film packs a lot of emotional weight. The way that the director keeps everything bathed in darkness helps to ensure that the look of the film is dark as its subject matter, and this helps to convey the horrific themes on display. The relationship between the doctor and his nurse always makes up the backbone of the movie, and it's also the most interesting aspect as subplots involving the wife and the daughter never reach the same dark highs. The tone of the movie is very serious, and this helped by excellent performances from all concerned. Günter Meisner's performance takes in both evil and regret, as while he doesn't get to do much physical acting; he plays his part well. The main acting plaudits go to David Sust, however, who continually impresses with his role as the nurse; also the meatiest role in the film. It has to be said that this isn't a movie for the feint of heart, as scenes involving young boys are not nice to watch and the nihilistic tone of the movie doesn't make it much fun. Still, if you can stomach unpleasantness; this movie is a treat.