Comments on: Name that movie: people gambling life and limb on games of luck?

Question: Name that movie: people gambling life and limb on games of luck?

The Michael The — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 11:58:50 -0800

What's That Movie?!?!?! So my girlfriend is trying to remember the title of this movie that she's seen. It was released within the last few years, and essentially deals with people playing games that rely purely on luck, and if they succeed they win prizes, and if they don't, then they die, or lose limbs, or something like that.

The best clue we have to go on is that she remembers the final scene being set in the woods, and people are released to run blindfolded through the woods, and hope that they don't smack into trees, and the first one to make it out wins, or something along those lines. If anyone can tell us what it is, it's Metafilter!

By: biffa

biffa — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 12:04:21 -0800

It's Intacto, the scene in the woods isn't at the end though.

By: The Michael The

The Michael The — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 12:06:30 -0800

Six minutes. Amazing. Thanks, biffa.

By: fvw

fvw — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 12:17:53 -0800

Which brings us to the next question: Is it any good? The IMDB blurb looks mildly intriguing. Should I watch it?

By: muckster

muckster — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 12:21:56 -0800

Mildly intruiging is about right. Max von Sudow is always good, but otherwise it's just a wee bit contrived.

By: vacapinta

vacapinta — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 12:28:49 -0800

I was coming in to answer the question but was too late. I really liked it. I never understood the 'contrived' objections. It takes place in a sort of alternate universe where "luck" is actually a force or talent that a select few have enormous amounts of. Once you accept that premise, the movie follows it to its logical conclusions including, as mentioned above, Luck contests involving death-defying stunts.

I love the movie's opening scenes which introduces us to the reigning King of Luck, who of course owns a casino.

By: keijo

keijo — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 12:32:34 -0800

It's one of those movies that divides audiences, either you love it or hate it. I loved it, and would recommend it. And congrats, biffa...

By: Juicylicious

Juicylicious — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 12:33:39 -0800

Intacto is one of the best films I've seen this year!

By: majcher

majcher — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 12:47:34 -0800

Intacto is a great movie, indeed. If you liked the premise, you might enjoy William H. Macy in The Cooler. It's definitely not of the same caliber as Intacto, but still entertaining.

By: juv3nal

juv3nal — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 12:48:19 -0800

it's not amazing, but it's entertaining enough to be worth watching.

By: Shane

Shane — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 12:49:10 -0800

It's very slick and stylish. The cinematography is nice. I thought it was a bit contrived too, but enjoyed it anyway. I'd recommend it, although it's not one of those films I'd watch twice in the same weekend.

By: orange clock

orange clock — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 14:10:10 -0800

Intacto.

By: docpops

docpops — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 17:50:51 -0800

no it's not, its Intacto.

By: docpops

docpops — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 17:51:11 -0800

Compacto

By: anomie

anomie — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 20:42:54 -0800

Premier Impacto

By: biffa

biffa — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 03:37:27 -0800

Well I thought it was pretty good, an original idea properly followed through, nicely shot and Max von Sydow is great. I would say 4 out of 5.
The Cooler is also worth a look, same general area, maybe a bit more of a character study, not as good as Intacto but you get to bullshit about the upswing in Alec Baldwin's career and performances since he returned as a character actor.