Inclubabu Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Roman Sampson One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Guillelmina The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

bernie-122 Don't pay any attention to one-star reviews by total idiots. This is one of the most, if not THE most amazing piece of film-making I've ever seen. And I'd like to know why the ONLY one-star review is the one featured on the main page. Who decides which review should be the leading one? At first I thought it was done in 3 or 4 takes, which would have been impressive enough, but upon watching it again, I see it really is one continuous scene, start to finish. I don't see how anybody could pull that off. One mistake, one prop out of place, one line-fluff is all it would take, and you'd have to start all over again. This requires planning and execution beyond imagining, at least for me.I could say that it got a bit over the top in the melodrama at times, but did it really? I'd have to say it all fitted with the surreal mood of the whole film.I can't really say much more, else I'd risk giving away too much. If you like, or at least don't mind, something really different for a change, then please don't miss this.

Claudio Carvalho Stan (Scott Cohen) is a hit man hired by the mobster Dad (David Provel) to kill Rick (Henry Czerny), the husband of Jay (Angela Bettis). While waiting for his final instructions from Dad in a low budget hotel, Stan is visited by Jay, who begs for the life of Rick. He breaks his own rules and explains that only Dad may break his contract, and Jay decides to visit Dad in his night-club to claim for Rick's life. After meeting Dad, Jay comes back home to Rick, when secrets are disclosed.I bought this DVD without any previous reference, just based on the name of one of my favorite actresses, the stunning Angela Bettis. "The Circle" is simply spectacular, an unique experience of pure independent cinema as art, disclosing an intriguing and disturbing story in an environment nightmare and shot in only one take in real time. The logistic of the script, planning routes and rehearsals necessary to make this film would be enough to give a ten to the writer, director, cast and crew. In 2003, Lars von Trier presented to the world the sensational and original "Dogville", a bitter play about a town with disgusting dwellers with an awesome story of human exploitation and pay back. Yuri Zeltser gives this unknown masterpiece of experimental cinema, with a great tale about sinners trapped in the purgatory (or maybe in hell - in this case, Dad certainly is the devil). Every character is actually dead: Stan and Jay committed suicide or died through lethal injection; the cop, Hilga and Rick were shot; Dad was ill; Mom probably had an OD and Sing probably was murdered by Dad. Angela Bettis deserves an Oscar for her performance, and the cast has magnificent interpretations. The camera is fantastic, following the characters uninterruptedly through the most difficult angles and situations. Last but not the least, this film is highly indicated for movie lovers that aim to see a refreshing and absolutely original edition of a film. My vote is ten.Title (Brazil): "O Círculo da Morte" ("The Circle of Death")

gonzo_don Obviously, I'm going to have to watch this inane waste of time again just to see what all the reviewers are raving about. From the opening shot when the hit man's phone rings and he looks at it like a caveman looking at the control panel of a Boeing 747, I knew I was in for a real piece of overacting. And I wasn't disappointed. Quick jerk of the neck, raised eyebrow, and a ponderous, "Hmmmm. What is this object on the nightstand that's emitting a ringing tone?" 43 seconds later, he figured it out and answered the damned thing... Everybody overacts. Even the "real" people. I think perhaps it was less an "amazing 90 minute one take" piece of directing and more of a "Hey! We've got a 90 minute tape in this camcorder--let's make a movie!" Don't waste your time.

sheckyicecream This film was absolutely fascinating. To pull off an entire movie in one continuous shot seems an unattainable feat, but Yuri Zeltser conquers it masterfully. The amazing part of this story is that I didn't notice it was unedited until I read the back of the DVD case - then I went back through the movie and was astonished by the direction and camera work throughout the one-and-a-half hour film. The fact that it was an action/drama even makes it more astounding because these movies often require the most takes. It is a sharp, intelligent and suspenseful tale that plays out like dream. A dream in which the main character, Angela Bettis can't wake up from and turns out to be a horrible nightmare in the end. David Proval also was impressive in his role as a contract killer with a rough edge, but a soft side that shines through with the help of Angela Bettis' character. This film has earned my recommendation and will surely surprise you as film unravels.