Eugene Iosilevich

The lust for life is never so present as when confronted with death. We tend to understand the heroism of soldiering, hemmed in comeraderie. This the gripping and raw story of a different kind of heroism. The stark and utter horror of the war machine is taken on personally like an unshakeable addiction by the main character of this story. The movie is raw and gripping and forces the viewer to share these experiences with her. The point of the movie is to bring to the mind and heart the question of why, and it doesn't answer the question simply. Instead the viewer is forced to find out for themselves. Very powerful.

Drawing on tools reminiscent of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, Joaquin Phoenix and Todd Phillips take the audience on a devastatingly poignant journey into the darkest corners of mental illness. Riveting and horribly realistic, this movie guides the viewers to the ultimate point where all dillusions crumble, the last vestige of innocence is lost, and the truth of evil is fully realized - the Joker is born. What makes this film so difficult and so mesmerizing is the incredible method acting of Joaquin, the accuracy of the psychology, and the brilliance of the directing and script. (NOT a film for minors!!!!!!!)