Entertaining & gory but worries the next day

Rating: 8/10 (11 January 2006)

I thoroughly enjoyed this film & while I was watching it I didn't foresee just how much it would trouble me the next day. I find myself wondering how true this story is & it terrifies me to think that places and activities like those depicted in 'Hostel' may actually exist. I keep imagining the scene involving an American businessman who is drilling the eye of a helpless girl while she is awake through the whole disgusting act.
The film is also extremely realistic which also added to the whole atmosphere of it. I can't help but still visualize scenes from the film as though they were real. Of course I realize they were just actors and special effects but it is a testament to director Eli Roth that he could create such realism.
I witnessed at least 6 people who walked out of the cinema while we were watching & whilst I never felt the urge to do this myself, there was one moment in which a character is vomiting in fear that almost made me throw up myself. I don't believe a film has ever caused that sensation in me before! In the end it is worth sitting through brutal acts that shock & disgust purely because the entire end piece does provide satisfaction & this viewer certainly thought that it ended appropriately.
If you are of a weak stomach don't even bother watching this, but if you can handle shocking stuff & can appreciate them for plot value you will thoroughly enjoy this movie.
It's been quite a while since I saw a movie that had this many talking points and I doubt there will be anything to come close to it for shock value for the rest of 2006!