The sheer visceral power of the Sadean horrors that Pasolini depicts is extraordinary. And yet, as disturbing and repellent as the film is, I cannot deny the artistry of it. It isn't often classified as a horror film, though I consider it much more horrifying than anything churned out by the Hollywood studio system. Although creating a horror film probably wasn't Pasolini's intention, he seems to have understood one of horror's basic principles. This is not a film that builds traditional suspense moments to be alleviated.
Terror compounds terror until the very end, creating an unbearable sense of misery and anxiety.
Today's slasher films can't compete. In an age when films continue to become louder and kinetic, for a foreign film over 25 years old to still disturb us is a testament to the power of artful cinema. After reading many reviews on this film, I was determined to see it for myself. Despite the morally objectionable use of children portrayed in the film, I quite enjoyed it and found it very interesting and atmospheric. The camera work is great and the acting for the most part is very good.