Martyrs (2008)

A young woman's quest for revenge against the people who kidnapped and tormented her as a child leads her and a friend, who is also a victim of child abuse, on a terrifying journey into a living hell of depravity.

Director:

Pascal Laugier

Writer:

Pascal Laugier

Stars:

Morjana Alaoui, Mylène Jampanoï, Catherine Bégin

7 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Morjana Alaoui	...	Anna
Mylène Jampanoï	...	Lucie
Catherine Bégin	...	Mademoiselle
Robert Toupin	...	Le père
Patricia Tulasne	...	La mère
Juliette Gosselin	...	Marie
Xavier Dolan	...	Antoine (as Xavier Dolan-Tadros)
Louise Boisvert	...	Mère d'Anna (voice)
Jean-Marie Moncelet	...	Étienne
Jessie Pham	...	Lucie 10 ans
Erika Scott	...	Anna 10 ans
Isabelle Chasse	...	La créature
Emilie Miskdjian	...	La suppliciée
Tony Robinow	...	Docteur
Anie Pascale	...	La femme bourreau

Storyline

Fifteen years after a horrifying experience of abduction and prolonged torture, Lucie embarks on a bloody quest for revenge against her oppressors. Along with her childhood friend, Anna, who also suffered abuse, she quickly descends, without hope, into madness and her own delusions. Anna, left on her own begins to re-experience what Lucie did when she was only twelve years old.

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Plot Keywords:

survivor guilt | revenge | torture | graphic violence | friendship between women | 

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Taglines:

They haven't finished being alive.

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Genres:

Horror

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for disturbing/severe aberrant behavior involving strong bloody violence, torture, child abuse and some nudity

Did You Know?

Trivia

Pascal Laugier has confessed that he wrote the screenplay for the film in a state of clinical depression, bordering on suicidal thoughts, which is why the film is said to have a nihilistic and depressing subject matter.

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Goofs

As the mother is kicked into the pit, a body flinches to brace itself for the impact of the mother falling on him.

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Quotes

Mademoiselle: Martyrs are exceptional people. They survive pain, they survive total deprivation. They bear all the sins of the earth. They give themselves up. They transcend themselves... they are transfigured.

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Connections

Referenced in Martyrs: Chroniques organiques (2009)

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Soundtracks

Your Witness
by Sepukku Paradigm

User Reviews

emotional violence

this film is as terrifying as anything ever released. it takes events from modern headlines and carries them to horrible, but utterly believable extremes. performances, photography, editing, score, sound design, direction are all spot on.

i live in a neighborhood where people literally get stabbed in the street, and this film scared the hell out of me. it creates a tension that is almost unbearable, and then it breaks your heart. the genius of this film is the degree to which you empathize and grow to love the protagonist(s.)

i was skeptical when i was told about how people supposedly fainted in the theater when they saw it. after watching this film, i absolutely believe it. there is one scene in particular that made me dizzy.

don't watch it alone, and don't watch it if you think horror films are supposed to make you laugh. this film will make you cry.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [France]

Country:

France Canada

Language:

French

Release Date:

3 September 2008 (France)

Also Known As:

Martyrs

Filming Locations:

Québec, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

EUR3,390,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,149,138

Company Credits

Production Co:

Eskwad, Wild Bunch, TCB Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1