A family man is plagued with clairvoyant visions of murder and comes into contact with several disturbed spirits. In order to let them rest in peace, he must bring their killers to justice without compromising his own sanity. Stars Kevin Bacon, Kathryn erbe, Illeana Douglas.
Based on a novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte (THE CLUB DUMAS) and coscripted by director Roman Polanski, THE NINTH GATE was Polanski's first feature after a long break following the release of 1995's DEATH AND THE MAIDEN--in between, there was an aborted project that faltered when designated star John Travolta opted out. Dean Corso (Johnny Depp) is a cynical rare books dealer hired by Boris Balkan (Frank Langella), a scholar specializing in books on Satanism, to recover the only two remaining copies (in addition to the one owned by Balkan) of THE NINE GATES OF THE KINGDOM OF SHADOWS, a 17th-century text with cryptic illustrations supposedly contributed by Lucifer himself. Corso's investigation takes him to Europe, where he is pursued by a strange girl (Emmanuelle Seigner) who seemes to assume the role of his guardian angel: Bizarre deaths inspired by the book's morbid illustrations befall all those who come into contact with the book--except himself. This occult mystery should satisfy fans of subtly creepy, stylish tales of the supernatural along the lines of Polanski's own ROSEMARY'S BABY.
Theatrical release: March 31, 2000.
Filmed on location in Paris, France; at the Château de Ferrières (near Paris); Sintra, Portugal; Toledo, Spain; and at the Sudios Epinay.
José López Rodero, who plays a dual role (the shady Ceniza brothers), actually started out as the film's production manager. Polanski decided he would be perfect for the part(s) and persuaded Rodero (who had never done any professional acting before) to appear in the film.
Emmanuelle Seigner is married to Roman Polanski.
Ninth Gate Reviews:
"...Engaging and well-executed....Johnny Depp excels in character roles..."-- Tim Cogshell, Box Office
"...THE NINTH GATE is well-crafted with a genteel and moody air....Polanski has concentrated on the subdued and the spooky. And he's thrown in some bizarre acting touches..."-- Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
"...With its fiery, over-the-top spectacle and bolts of black humor, THE NINTH GATE is actually more in the spirit of VAMPIRE KILLERS than ROSEMARY'S BABY....Lena Olin is the ultimate cat woman..."
-- Lloyd Sachs, Chicago Sun-Times
"...A sardonic detective thriller peppered with carefully crafted pleasures..."
-- Lisa Nesselson, Variety
"...Depp's performance is a consistent delight..."-- Stephen Farber, Movieline's Hollywood Life
"...A lot of lowbrow fun....[Depp performs] with real panache..." -- 3 out of 5 stars - A Satisfying Rental
-- Christopher Kelly, Premiere
"...Polanski remains a supreme technician....The film is intricately well-made....THE NINTH GATE is generously spiced with humorous detail..."
-- Philip Strick, Sight and Sound
Entertaining Movie I liked the movie. I think I would have hoped for something a little more - I don't know - evil at the end. Or perhaps a more evil tranformation of Johnny as he was becoming obsessed with the Nine Gates. Or perhaps that he would do something to fight the obsession. Not among my favorite Johnny Depp films, but I liked it. Submitted by reblit (Pierpont, OH, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 0 of 1 found this helpful.
my favorite movie I love the look and feel of this movie.
Scary without gore. You have to watch Johnny Depp, he is great, as are all the actors.
Classy movie
Commentary by Roman Polanski is so interesting that I've watched that a couple times too. Submitted by bjones (Baltimore Maryland) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 0 of 1 found this helpful.
Depp is suspenseful and timeless History buffs will find this interpretation of passgaes from the Bible and other related books very compelling. The books and the researcher (J.Depp) carry the plot to a surprise conclusion that is really not an ending but the beginning of another plot.(This could have been a Hitchkock film) J.Depp fans will enjoy this movie for its suspense and performance. I know why he won the Best in Male Actor for the Oscars. A fan for a long time will recognize how insightful Depp has been in his interpretation of this plot. He gets better as time goes by.His lines continue to be short with lots of picture presence from camera focus on his face and body language. (And isin't this how the famous T.Cruise gets his chrisma?) A great movie without the "Disneyness" of Pirates of the Carribean Submitted by lsappcox (Las Vegas, Nevada US of A) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 0 of 1 found this helpful.
Highly recommended I can't offer enough positive commentary about this movie. First, let me say that Johnny Depp and Frank Langella are excellent. Whoever (whomever?) cast these guys knew what he was doing and knew what the movie demanded. In my opinion, Frank Langella is pivotal to this movie and synonymous with the essence of this film. Second, the directing has absolutely deadly finesse. Finally, while difficult to describe, the overall feel of this film is strangely gothic, haunting and macabre and renders it particularly enjoyable...again, in a strange sort of way. Submitted by brianp (Fremont, CA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 0 of 1 found this helpful.
A real work of art! This is an artistic movie, there is no action, romance and special effects. It is a very original movie. Few people like to own devil movies though. Submitted by Jeff (California) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
Region 1 Keep Case Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35 Letterbox - 1.85 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Additional Release Material: Making Of Audio Commentary: Roman Polanski - Director Trailers:
1. Original Theatrical Trailer 2. Tv Spots/Previews Interactive Features: Interactive Menus Text/Photo Galleries: Production Notes Biographies: Cast and Crew Stills/Photos: Gallery and Description of Satanic Drawings From Film
Entertaining Movie
my favorite movie
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