Given multiple reviews about 1973 ['movie'] ['The Wicker Man'], each offering insights, opinions, or criticisms on a single topic, merge them into a single, cohesive review. When reviews offer opposing viewpoints, ensure that both perspectives are represented in a balanced way. Structure the text to flow smoothly, weaving different points together to create a well-rounded summary. Ensure the text remains clear and easily understandable by removing any jokes, insider references, or quotes.Aim for a polished and engaging tone, creating a review that feels comprehensive and reflects the diversity of opinions. The text should be very long. Here the given reviews: ['Ever since its troubled release back in 1973, director Robin Hardy\'s "The Wicker Man" has been slowly (but constantly) adding new members to its cult following as the film becomes better known, and it\'s just now that finally the movie is getting the praise it deserves as one of the best films (regardless of genre) ever made. It\'s hard to believe that this superb example of a mystery and suspense was almost lost, as the financial problems of its production company (British Lion Films) nearly cost Hardy his movie. Fortunately, the film managed to be finished, and while not exactly in the complete version of the director\'s vision, "The Wicker Man" was released theatrically and Hardy\'s tale of the horrific results of a clash of faiths was able to enchant us with its perfect mix of horror, mystery and suspense. In "The Wicker Man", Edward Woodward plays Sergeant Neil Howie, who travels to the remote island of Summerisle after receiving an anonymous letter informing him of the disappearance of a young girl named Rowan. Immediately after his arrival to Summerisle, Howie begins his investigation, but discovers that the locals refuse having met Rowan in the island. Somewhat discouraged by the answers, Howie decides to keep investigating, and soon discovers that the population of the island follow a strange religion with pagan beliefs that are a shock for his conservative Christian faith. As he discovers that Rowan may still be alive (and the villagers plotting her kidnapping), he decides to attempt to rescue her from what he thinks is a barbaric and uncivilized way of life, but he\'ll discover that there is much more in Summerisle than the case of a kidnapped child. Writer Anthony Shaffer became fascinated by the idea of a modern clash of religions when he attempted to adapt David Pinner\'s novel "Ritual" to film, but while the adaptation failed, the idea became the source for "The Wicker Man"\'s main theme: a confrontation between two extreme sides of religiousness. It\'s really amazing the way that Shaffer explores this theme through the story, because cleverly avoids to use the archetypes of "hero" and "villian", and just lets the characters drive the plot towards it\'s legendary finale. While he cleverly utilizes the missing child plot to question the nature of faith, it\'s surprisingly never disrespectful, and despite using exaggerated features of both in his characters, the movie is more a cry against blind fanaticism than against a specific religion. Even when Shaffer\'s brilliant screenplay is one of the film\'s fundamental elements, the direction by Robin Hardy is what truly makes the whole movie what it is. Despite being under a serious budgetary problem, Hardy managed to bring to life Shaffer\'s thriller taking advantage of the script\'s exhaustively researched plot to create a movie that was ambiguously captivating and of a simply otherworldly nature. By blending a natural, semi-documentary visual look with the unforgettable folk score by Paul Giovanni (that updated old traditional songs), Hardy created a joyful atmosphere that despite being cheerful and playful at first sight, becomes increasingly haunting as the plot unfolds. Giving little to no clue about the mystery of the plot, Hardy maintains the suspense always at the maximum level in preparation to a sublime conclusion that has now become a classic. Another of the film\'s best features are the incredible performance of the members of the cast. Edward Woodward is simply perfect in the difficult role of Sergeant Howie, delivering one of the best performances in the history of the horror genre as the main character of this brutal clash of cultures. The legendary Christopher Lee plays Lord Summerisle, owner and ruler of the island, and one of the movie\'s most interesting characters. Lee literally becomes Summerisle and fills the role with his natural charm and breathtaking talent. Director Hardy managed to convince Diane Cilento to come out of retirement and play a part in "The Wicker Man", adding her experience to the film\'s assortment of talents. Finally, Britt Ekland plays Willow, a local of Summersile who gets interested in the newly arrived cop. Ekland may not give a performance as amazing as her three co-stars, but she gives the eroticism the movie needs in an unforgettable scene. Sadly, the first thing one notices about "The Wicker Man" is how date it looks. While the themes at play are really universal, the movie can\'t help but look like a product of its time, specifically Great Britain in the 70s. True, this can be a flaw in a way, however, thanks to the style Hardy took on the making of the film (like truly exploring a different culture) make up for this flaw and now give the film the look of a real documentary film (and this of course increases its gritty realism). "The Wicker Man" has faced some criticism due to the constant use of songs through the movie, almost to the point of being labeled a pseudo musical film. While this is true to an extent (the songs are really omnipresent), I think that the way they are used fits perfectly the very detailed plot, and adds an enormous amount of realism to Summerisle village and its culture. "The Wicker Man" may look like another typical thriller with the same kind of mystery and suspense that has been done over and over for a long long time, but it\'s actually one of the most intelligent and interesting movies ever made. It is a brilliantly written movie that invites its audience to question the nature of heroism and morality, and to witness how far mankind can go for their beliefs. While it really looks dated by now, it\'s still one of those movies where everything fits in the right place, making the movie as a whole feel like perfect. "The Wicker Man" is definitely a must-see, and not only for the horror genre fans. 10/10.'] Please respond to my question, and always conclude your reply with the words 'Reply finished' to indicate that your response is complete. Ensure that the text is fully formed without any placeholders such as '[Conclusion]' or '[Placeholder]'. Make sure the reply is fully contained before these words and is not cut off prematurely. Thank you.