There are some sick films out there, were told.

The BBFC were tasked with deciding what was acceptable or not following the Video Recordings Act of 1984.

Youve probably read about this elsewhere, or you might check outmy rambling article aboutThe Exorcistfor more details.

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Some of the worst video nasties caused more than just outcries of outrage.

This, dear reader, is where we findCannibal Holocaust.

He then introduces us to the four young documentary makers who didnt return from the rainforest.

So, a second group is sent out to retrieve the first.

Initially, everything seems to have gone well, with the group gelling together and talking about their plans.

By the time the third reel of footage comes around, weve got our first tribe.

However, were assured the footage is staged by the technician overseeing the construction of the documentary.

He even goes as far as moralising that the tribes may have seen us as savages.

They choose to force themselves on the people of the rainforest so you can shape what they are filming.

Monroe finds this so offensive he wishes to distance himself from the footage.

It becomes even worse when the men gang rape a tribeswoman, much to the outrage of Faye.

You see, the civilised have truly become the savage and theres no turning back now.

Faye may be the voice of reason, but it no longer matters.

Surely nobody would take it that seriously!

Well, two out of three of those statements are true, but more on that later.

Okay, heres where Ive led you a bit astray.

I stated that Deodatos film resulted in a run-in with the law, which it did, in Italy.

Showing this footage in the form of a documentary also drives the realism that we see.

Furthermore, the tribes lack any sense of the western world.

One of the most convincing sequences is a woman impaled on a stake.

Theres enough her to make the average viewer feel a bit uncomfortable.

People are shot by men in uniform, bodies are piled up and death is all around.

Its supremely effective for the few minutes that were exposed to this footage.

Obviously, the charges were dropped and Deodato freed.

Does it shock today?

Its definitely not a comfortable film to watch, though it does feel sedate in places.

The horrific treatment of human life stands in stark contrast to the beauty of the rainforest.