The Kiss of Death
The Kiss of Death

The Kiss of Death

1977Movie71 minEnglish

Trevor is an extremely shy undertaker's assistant. He always tags along with his good friend Ronnie, when he goes to the pub with his girlfriend Sandra. Sandra introduces Trevor to her more forward friend Linda. Linda has a difficult time getting Trevor to go out with her, but she finally gets him to go to a disco; he won't dance, so Linda dances with Ronnie.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Ulli LommelGenres: Horror, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young man with a troubled past becomes entangled with a group of criminals involved in a series of violent robberies. As he tries to escape their influence, he finds himself increasingly drawn into their dangerous world. The film explores themes of addiction, desperation, and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator. His attempts to go straight are repeatedly thwarted by the machims of the criminal underworld and his own psychological demons.

Critical Reception

The Kiss of Death (1977) is a lesser-known German exploitation film that garnered a cult following for its raw, gritty aesthetic and unsettling atmosphere. It is often cited as an early example of Lommel's distinctive style, characterized by its bleak portrayal of society and its focus on disturbed characters. While not a critical darling upon release, it has found an appreciative audience among fans of underground and transgressive cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique, low-budget aesthetic and unsettling atmosphere.
  • Criticized for its graphic violence and sometimes incoherent narrative.
  • Considered a cult classic within the exploitation and German independent film circuits.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for 'The Kiss of Death (1977)' is not readily available. However, general audience reception often highlights its disturbing themes and raw filmmaking style, appealing to those who appreciate experimental or gritty cinema.

Fun Fact

Director Ulli Lommel, who would later gain fame for his collaborations with Andy Warhol, intended 'The Kiss of Death' to be a raw and unflinching look at the dark underbelly of society, drawing inspiration from real-life crime stories and psychological thrillers.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review