Kissed

There is no more natural preoccupation than death. Everyone is aware that they are going to die but no one knows precisely what death is. We all come to terms with our mortality in our own way. Most of us try to think about death as little as possible, choosing denial. Some turn to religion for comforting beliefs about death, others embrace a "death culture", as Goths do. A very small number of people embrace death to the extent that cadavers become sexually attractive to them.

Kissed is a beautiful story about a young woman named Sandra who explores death through necrophilia. When Matt, a fellow student she becomes romantically involved with, becomes infatuated with her he desperately tries to understand her and to incorporate himself into her necrophilic lifestyle.

They both, each in their own way, use the powerful nature of love and lust to explore their feelings about death.

The acting is both professional and believable and the audience can relate to the complex characters even though none of us is ever likely to personally experience such a bizarre situation. Even when Matt's need to be loved by Sandra makes him strange and frightening, the story only feels more familiar when we realize how much we have changed ourselves for lovers. Isn't life about finding someone to love before the time is up?

The sex and nudity are artistic, not pornographic. I went away from this movie feeling like I had witnessed something important and special. It may be disturbing at times, but Kissed is never revolting. I would not have believed that a movie about this subject matter could be so beautifully and sensitively made. If you ever find yourself anxious about death or plan to die someday, I highly recommend this passionate exploration of our most primal fear.

This film is quite frankly the only one that has ever brought tears to my eyes. This compelling and profound stir of taboo makes quick work of my knees and I've grown quite fond of it. The acting in this movie was shockingly surreal. Their ability to guide the undertones in effect are rather impressive and my attempts at criticism can only accumulate around the sound editing in which some transitional music and whatnot seemed lesser than par. Nothing in this piece has been overworked or emphasized to exhaustion. I am more than impressed by the simplicity that guides an endless river of emotion in which it captures the one thing.. the one word so overused, abused and neglected; love.

I loved this movie. I get so damn sick of the horror films that portray the funeral service and industry as gruesome, gory and horrifying. I am in the funeral service as well as mortuary school. First of all, I don't believe this movie is about necrophilia beneath the surface. It is about this woman's relationship with death. Gore, blood, guts and other stuff come from fear. There is no respect in that in my opinion. That is for people who are afraid of their own mortality. We are all going to die. It is beautiful that the director and writer were able to explore their relationship with death. Death is intriguing and dark because it is unknown. I think this movie really looked at the main character's relationship with death, herself and her own mortality through her love for the dead. Only, it was presented in a literal fashion. It seemed as though the plot was a great manifestation of the theme, which may be our understanding of life, death and rebirth. Yes, sex is life and death is rebirth. And yes, I find the idea of having sex with the dead literally repulsive, working with the dead on a daily basis. I don't believe that was the message of the movie. One thing I learned in the funeral service is that it is life that we deal with day to day, not death. It is helping the living deal with loss. That is love. If only there were more cerebral, psychological and spiritual movies that touch this topic but unfortunately we are left with gore!! Anyone know of any other movies like this?

The story in this movie is, as often quoted, controversial - and its a story one could expect a great movie of. However, this one fails strongly to get deep into the issue, to what *really* drives Sandra (the girl in the movie) to her different sexual experiences, and likewise, how her "boyfriend" *really* feels about it which eventually leads to the tragic ending. It is very shallow and only touches on the edge of the mystery. 78 minutes running time could easily be extended by half an hour in order to incorporate this. A better script and a better director would probably lift the movie up to the unreasonable high average it has reached at IMDB...

Maybe I'm just being lucky, but over the last couple of years I've watched a whole bunch of fantastic Canadian movies by directors such as Atom Egoyan, Bruce McDonald and Don McKellar. These guys are making movies that are wiping the floor with most of their American contemporaries! After watching 'Kissed' add Lynne Stopkewich to that list.

She has managed to make an intelligent and touching movie about one of the last sexual taboos - necrophilia. I can't think of any other movie off the top of my head that has dealt with this subject that isn't either horror or exploitation. Now I love good horror and exploitation movies, don't get me wrong, it's just amazingly refreshing to see this kind of thing handled in a completely different and thoughtful way.

The writing, direction, cinematography are all perfect, and the acting is first class throughout. Especially Molly Parker in the lead role. Parker was funny and sweet in the cult TV show 'Twitch City' with Don McKellar, but reveals even more depth and talent with this outstanding and unforgettable performance. 'Kissed' is a totally unique and special movie. Once seen, never forgotten. I look forward to more movies from Stopkewich. If 'Kissed' is any indication of her braveness and originality, she could well turn into one of THE great film makers of this decade.