The Movie Diorama I've seen some weird films, particularly of the horror genre, but this is definitely up there. A couple move into rundown house but unbeknown to them there is an evil presence beneath the floor boards that seeks human flesh. But why? How? That's where the lovingly kind (don't forget fashionable) Pinhead comes on screen with his fellow Cenobites. Ohhh what a sight they are, can only imagine its what I look like after a night out and crawling through a bush. The plot is pretty much Sweeney Todd but with chains, leather and plenty of blood. Much like a sex dungeon right? (...just mine then). The inclusion of the puzzle cube and the Cenobites are what makes the story interesting and ominous. I'm sure there is thick lore behind this puzzle cube which I can only presume is explored further in the sequels. I admired the ambiguity and imagination that the plot conveys. The pace was inconsistent, I found the second act to be too slow and the constant flashbacks of the first act did confuse me at times. Typically there's an indication that we're watching a flashback, but in this it kept switching back and forth instantly with no transitions. Slightly jarring. The main star is the make up. Absolutely authentic and the real use of prosthetics and effects just heightens the originality. Clive Barker doesn't dream, he just conceives nightmarish visions and graciously puts his ideas on screen. Skin being pulled by chains or a pool of blood suddenly growing into a raw fleshy human thing (totally trademark that), it's strangely beautiful to watch and the technical aspects are admirable. The acting is as you would expect, nothing fantastic but gets the job done. The final scene with the homeless man was somewhat unexpectedly weird, wasn't too sure what to think about it. Also, I wanted more Cenobite action! Not nearly enough screen time! However, as 80's horror films go this is a strong addition to the genre and completely memorable. Particularly Pinhead...who will tear your soul aparrrrrrt!

LouAbbott I've heard much about this film, but never viewed it until recently. With 361 user reviews and counting, practically everyone knows the story. It's good to see Andy Robinson again. He should have been awarded for his portrait of 'the Scorpio Killer" in the original "Dirty Harry" film. He also did a fine job as the title character of the "Liberace" telefilm. Frank Baker, playing the derelict, looks much like horror movie veteran Sig Haig, covered in wool. Thirty years since it's release, "Hellraiser" is good, but something is missing. However, the film is very original and inventive. An award should have gone to the makeup department. Their work is inspired genius.

simonconnolly72-467-863881 I saw this when it came out and I was 15. I remember it being highly original for it's time and a very refreshing change from the usual horror fare. Though probably not understanding everything about it at 15, there was enough to keep me intrigued. Now 30 years later I watch it and feel a little disappointed. It still is a highly original film and concept, but it just feels a little dated. The script is pretty bad and contrived, and the acting is pretty poor all round. Frank's voice even sounds badly dubbed. The whole cenobyte thing is still quite creepy and interesting to watch but generally the rest of the film is so so.

soldier-81367 "I have seen the future of horror, and his name is Clive Barker." High praise indeed from the grand master Stephen King.With the Cenobites — and Doug Bradley's Pinhead in particular — Clive Barker created a unique horror movie presence."They're like sado-masochists from beyond the grave," Barker once said of the Cenobites. (In fact, Barker has joked that at one point he wanted to call the film "Sado-Masochists From Beyond The Grave" adding that "Hellraiser turned out to be far weirder that I expected.") Pinhead was revealed (in Hellhound: Hellraiser II) to be Captain Eliot Spenser, a World War II veteran who had discovered a devilish box known as the Lament Configuration and found in it his own portal into Hell. By detailing his character in the manner he did, Barker made him instantly accessible to his audience, using the "war is hell" metaphor in its most literal sense.Hellraiser Set a New Horror Movie Standard with outstanding effects, Frank the monster and PINHEAD! make this film a must-see. But what about that Chatterer cenobite? Well, I don't know about him, but from the beginning I am going to say that Clive Barker's Hellraiser is fantastic!With Hellraiser, Clive Barker created one of the most genuinely disturbing movies of the last 30 years.