Originally Posted by windypace

The thing is that over here it isn't illegal.... This is Iraq and the Arabics can get away with it....

Originally Posted by urbandksound

We saw it last week. Saying it's based on a true story is pushing it... the true story of Analiese Michel was much sadder. Also, in the real case... the parents had a hard time finding a priest who would perform an exorcism because the girl didn't exhibit all of the "required signs" of possession. For example... she didn't "speak in tongues" but in the movie the girl did.

In the real case, the "exorcism" took a long time. She starved to death and had ruptured both her knees from incredible numbers of required genuflections per day. Toward the end, she couldn't even do them, so they forced her.

The movie makes out the medical profession to be completely bogus, the church to be un-caring and stand-offish, and the one lone priest a hero against the forces of darkness.


So as far as being true to life: no. As far as being a horror flick (i.e. like The Exorcist), no, not really... although there are some tense scenes where I was on the edge of my seat.

On the postitive side, the acting was great and the cinematography very good. If you're looking to be scared out of your wits, this movie probably doesn't fit the bill, but if you're looking for a good drama that makes you think about some pretty deep subjects, I recommend it. You definitely won't sleep through it.

I'd give this movie 7 1/2 stars out of a possible 10.