Nice one, Clive. Superior Brit horror, determined to gross out its audience with its little puzzle box of horrors. Only carp, why attempt the American ambience - as it fails completely.
-The Sloth
The attempt at an American setting is indeed pathetic and a certain key actor is not very good, but this still stands, nearly a quarter century on, as one of the most evocative horror films ever made. Certainly nothing like this, with its emphasis on body horror, eroticism and religious imagery, will ever be made again.
Followed by one fairly worthy sequel, and a slew of further titles, all with diminishing returns:
Hellraiser 2: Hellbound (1988).
Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992).
Hellraiser: Bloodline (1995).
and at least four direct to video titles...
"What's your pleasure, sir?"
"Please, just no more sequels!"
-Dave W.
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