"Demons for some, angels for others."
Hellraiser definitely needs no introduction. But, for anyone who is now approaching horror, I absolutely recommend watching it. Clive Barker, the one, the inimitable, inspirational (at least for me), totally unparalleled. Well, after declaring my love for my legend, I'll move on to talking about a great film, because that's what it is. With Hellraiser, we witness the arrival on the big screen of one of the most successful heroes of evil.

Pinhead will inevitably be counted among the best horror characters (along with Leatherface, Michael Myers, Jason Voorhes, Freddy Krueger, etc.).

The film is remarkable, and full of formidable inventions for 1987, a celebration of gore that even today has nothing to envy of contemporary effects.

The story, taken from the short novel Slaves of Hell by Barker is visionary, exquisitely surreal and incredibly original. I can't find the words (and usually I find too many) to do justice to such a captivating work, perfect in its sublime anguished atmosphere.

Larry (Andrew Robinson), moves into the old family home with his second wife Julia (Clare Higgins), and daughter Kirsty (Ashley Laurence). However, he is unaware that some time ago his brother Frank (Sean Chapman) entertained himself in the attic of the house with a mysterious cubic puzzle box purchased in Morocco, and upon opening it, it reduced him to shreds. That cube is capable of summoning monstrous creatures (the Cenobites), and they are ready to show extreme and boundless pleasure through pain.
The blood that falls from Larry's wound will cause his brother to come back to life , albeit in disastrous conditions. When Julia, her ex-lover, finds out, she won't be able to help him, as the bond that unites her to him is still very strong. It goes without saying how far he will go, the heart of a woman in love has no chains. (But Pinhead and co do, and in abundance).

Barker's direction is excellent, essential, capable of arousing tension and creating a sick and claustrophobic atmosphere. The feature film reels off an infinite amount of shocking scenes, the ones I love most, strong and bloody. Flesh torn and torn away by sharp hooks as if it were raining, physiological mutations and more, make the footage something singular and exceptional. Among the acting performances, those of Higgings stand out, certainly brilliant, and that of Bradley, with a disarming wickedness, while Laurence lacks a bit of experience, but she can easily be overlooked. Let yourself be captured by the magic cube, it will show you a unique world. Ten, no ifs or buts.