Frontier(s) is Forefront in Brutality

Riots break out during a presidential election in France, and a group of Muslim thieves capitalize on the chaos. Police are in pursuit of these bank robbers; so, this gang of thugs moves into the countryside to escape capture. One thief, Sami (Adel Bencherif) is shot, and left to die. The remaining three friends make their way to a small bed and breakfast near the border between Luxembourg and France (Internet).


In their country hideaway Tom (David Saracino), Karl (Patrick Ligardes), and Yasmine (Karina Testa) discover a dark, sinister underworld where a group of German neo-Nazi worshippers is intent on teasing, torturing, and then cannibalizing this group of petty criminals. Gilberte (Estelle Lefebure) and Klaudia (Amelie) are the owners of this hellhole cum vacation resort, and serve the former Nazi officer Le Von Geisler (Jean-Pierre Jorris). Ritualistic sacrifices and cannibalization are only a couple of the horrors in store for this band of friends (Internet).

Rating: NC-17 for sadistic graphic violence and gore.

Release Date: May, 2008 (United States).

Starring: Karina Test, Aurelien Wiik, Patrick Ligardes, Estelle Lefebure, Amelie Daure, Jean-Pierre Jorris, Adel Bencherif, and David Saracino.

Director/writer: Xavier Gens.

First off writer Xavier Gens effectively turns the emotions of the viewer squarely against this group of small time thieves. Shortly into the film, during an initial gun fight several police officers are shot and or killed in the opening sequence. The violence seems pointless and unnecessary as the criminal group is almost in the clear. As well, one of the criminals pistol-whips a defenseless French police officer while another thief laughs. Prepare to get angry as this group of remorseless thugs show a very low moral structure and a complete disregard for human life. Writer and director Xavier Gens delivers these early scenes, possibly to turn the audience against the characters; Tom, Sami, Yasmine, and Karl in order to create excitement later in the film.

Xavier Gens wastes no time getting into the brutal action of the film, but the writing and story might let some audience members down with a predictable plot. The writing of "Frontier(s)," follows a classic Hollywood format of rising tension, forcing a climax, and dénouement or release of tension and anxiety in the final scenes. It is a 1-2-3 punch that will leave many horror fans still standing. However, the quick pace, original story, and constant tension might be enough to hold the attention of many viewers.

There is an overt homage to the classic film "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," in "Frontier(s)," through the introduction of a cannibalistic family, who invites their new guests to enjoy a human meal. Instead of delivering an original story though, many comparisons between "Frontier(s)," and films like "Hostel," and "Haute Tension," continue to be made. However, the delivery of many death sequences is over the top gory and fun to watch and might make up for the similarities between "Frontier(s)," and other films. As well, the plot line involving a former Schultzstaffel officer is a nice personal addition by French filmmaker Xavier Gens.

On many movie messaging boards viewers of the film "Frontier(s)," are commenting on the unbelievability of certain key scenes i.e. a propane explosion involving gunfire, and some rather clumsy antagonists, but horror films often require the viewer to explore a world of fantasy. This reviewer invites anyone who finds certain elements of this film unrealistic or who do not see the lighter side of the film "Frontier(s)," to look up the dictionary definition of fiction. From one reliable source fiction means; "A literary work (or film) whose content is produced by the imagination and is not necessarily based on fact." Many horror films require the viewer to suspend reality while utilizing their imaginative processes; "Frontier(s)," is such a movie.

For those gore horror fans out there you will likely find some satisfaction in the action sequences of this movie. There are several scenes involving; meat-hook torture, shotgun fire decapitations, scissor knifings, and a foot amputation. A lot of fun for movie fans who can see the creativity in the dark writings of Xavier Gens.

Many of the underground sets in "Frontier(s)," create an austere maze-like feel, which only serves to add a trapped mood to the film. Many of the characters are seen running from gun wielding cultists as the shadows encircle them. The light of day is rarely seen. In addition, when the characters do manage to reach the surface it is usually during nighttime only. The continuous darkness enhances some of the tension in the film and amps up the horror feel.

Despite a few flaws "Frontier(s)," is sure to entertain most horror fans . So, sit back, relax, and let your imagination run wild for an hour and a half as "Frontier(s)," unfolds before your eyes. See this one on DVD and Blu-Ray formats and spread the word about "Frontier(s)," so film studios will continue to create more disturbing horror films for horror fans.

The international trailer for "Frontier(s) at 28dayslateranalysis.com (this is an NC-17 trailer with a great deal of violence, blood, and gore):



Sources:

Frontiers at Internet Movie Database

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