As brutal as advertised?

Rating: 7/10 (23 March 2006)

Was warned this was extremely brutal and difficult to watch but found it slightly less shocking than Japanese films such as audition....do you agree with me? (not that I think it was nice!) BIG SPOILERS: Also liked the way it lured you into thinking nice boy white wannabe writer American was the hero and finally Hispanic actor ended up being the boy to root for, quite rare in films (although i'm not a buff so correct me please). Thought Hernandez carried it really well and am hoping he'll be cast in the future. Really was gunning for some vengeance at the end. Good boy. Wasn't sure on people paying more for Americans. Is this some anti-America sentiment? Not keen on this aspect much. (I'm not American by the way)