“Cannibal Ferox” Movie Overview
Title: Cannibal Ferox (also known as Make Them Die Slowly)
Director: Umberto Lenzi
Release Year: 1981
Country: Italy
Genre: Exploitation, Horror
Plot Summary: “Cannibal Ferox” follows a group of anthropologists who venture into the Amazon rainforest to disprove the idea that cannibalism is a myth. However, they soon find themselves captured by a tribe of cannibals and subjected to various forms of torture and brutality. The film is notorious for its graphic violence, including scenes of animal cruelty and human dismemberment.
Key Themes:
- Brutality and Survival: The film explores extreme violence and the human capacity for cruelty.
- Colonialism and Cultural Clash: It depicts the consequences of Western intrusion into indigenous territories.
- Exploitation Cinema: As part of the Italian cannibal film subgenre, it aims to shock and provoke with graphic content.
Controversy: “Cannibal Ferox” is infamous for its explicit content and was banned in several countries. It is often cited as one of the most violent films ever made. The film’s depiction of real animal killings has drawn significant criticism from animal rights activists and film critics.
Banned Status: “The banning of the movie was subsequently used as a badge of honor in the films marketing, with releases featuring a graphic on the cover to grab the attention of Horror enthusiasts, stating the movie was “BANNED in 31 Countries”
Reception: The film has a polarizing reception. While some exploitation film enthusiasts regard it as a classic of the genre, mainstream critics often condemn it for its excessive gore and perceived lack of artistic merit.
