just too sad

Ray Winstone is excellent and he is primarily responsible for turning this otherwise plodding and unremarkable film into something worthwhile. It bears a number of thematic and stylistic similarities to Nil By Mouth, but I prefer that over this. While both feature equally strong acting, this felt less natural, especially in its conclusion.

That a touching coming-of-age story, and study of general family dysfunction, melds so beautifully with a shattering, unflinching account of incestual sexual abuse, is a testament to the fine performers at work on both sides of the camera (including Roth's debut as director). Entire cast is amazing, especially the younger performers, but Winstone comes up trumps allowing a moment of pity for an otherwise reprehensible character. Very powerful and ultimately deeply moving.

Its well done, but a terribly depressing film. Difficult to watch and difficult to stop thinking about. The actor who plays terrible people best adapts a film about a terrible person. Go figure.

Distrurbing terrible, terrible story. Excellent directing and acting. Well done, Tim.

Exceptionally well filmed & gorgeous, containing easily one of the prettiest anal rape scenes ever, & never failing to fearlessly linger on the setting before or after a scene. Since the dialogue is almost non existent, we are left to think whatever we like while the actors stare blankly. Alternately unpleasant or boring.

Good film on a disturbing subject.

A tough watch. But a really good film.

The War Zone's honesty makes it easy to overlook its [minor] flaws.

ger;