14 out of 16 people found the following review helpful:

Outstandingly beautiful - a pity it's so short

TristanWhite from , 7th September, 2005

Having seen this film three times already and already anticipating eagerly the fourth, I think you know what way this review is going to go already. Being a subscriber to 'Bizarre' magazine I was familiar with most of these characters long before seeing this film. This is a wonderful film about freaks, sideshow oddities... but although we too may feel at times uneasy being 'voyeurs' of said freaks, such feelings are short-lived. If anything, and as is spelt out from the beginning of the film, Browning wanted to point out how they are normal people with normal feelings (sadly, half the crew refused to work with the deformed actors and actresses and the initial 'normal' leading lady screamed and left the set and had to be replaced) and he certainly gets this across. In fact, it was thanks to this movie that some of these real-life sideshow 'oddities' managed to make a name for themselves and free themselves from some of the circus bonds. Sadly this was not the case for all the actors. But back to this film. A 'little person' (a very very small midget who has a babyish face and voice) falls in love for a 'normal' woman who is really only interested in his money. By mixing with 'normal' people he is also going against the code that such 'freaks' adhered too. We are introduced to a variety of characters - real-life Siamese twins the Hilton sisters, half-man Johnny Eck, Prince Randian the 'human torso', various pinheads and other tragic figures. The ending, where all the characters work together, is inspired, moving, and one of the greatest and most suspense-driven cinematographic moments, one that after watching will live with you forevermore. I urge all of you to see it - it'll only take you an hour, and believe me you'll regret its brevity as soon as you've seen it. You will want to learn more about these wonderful people. This is a gem and thank God it is finally accessible to all.

Read all highest rated reviews

4 out of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Can a full grown woman truly love a midget?

carlosreddevil from , 6th December, 2006

This film is, without a doubt, an absolute classic cinema piece! Banned for over 30 years in the UK, cut to shreds of which most of the original footage is lost, but it still delivers. The use of real 'freaks' adds an eerie quality which could never have worked as well with actors portraying the disabilities. The sound quality is not great, but this is a problem with the film itself. Films like this would NEVER be made today. A real oddity and a treat - go watch this now!

Read all highest rated reviews

2 out of 3 people found the following review helpful:

interesting film

zebedee from london , england, 20th May, 2005

I first saw this film on the telly in the early hours of the morning i stumbled across it as l was flicking through the stations, it seemed like an interesting film about the lives and going ons of a group of people living and working at a freak show. Due to the nature of the film and its actors it was banned in 1932, the film is worth watching although the title may not be as easily digested in todays society

Read all highest rated reviews

1 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:

freaky!

S Shaw from west Yorkshire, 6th April, 2009

The hype and legend surrounding this film very almost do it justice. The debate about the vivid and often frightening use of real life circus freaks still rages as strongly today as it did in 1932 on the films release. Despite its age, Freaks still remains a thought provocing and deeply unsettling film, with an ending which will lives long in the memory. Due to its short running time it is well worth the effort of any horror lover or general movie buff.

Read all highest rated reviews

Freaks

bigbobby from from Newbury, 10th December, 2009

Tod Browning's Freaks? Actually not that horrifying. Having said that, I'm relieved to have missed out on the original ending.

Read all recent reviews

good for it's time

A Customer from Benbecula, 17th September, 2009

This is definately worth a watch. The only thing that wasn't great about it was sometimes the sound quality wasn't that great & you couldn't hear some of the lines but you can forgive that since the film was so old. Great story line even if the film was only an hour long

Read all recent reviews

My favourite film of all time

A Customer from Cheshire, England, 24th June, 2009

Sat at home, my dad called me in to watch a film with him. After a minute I decided it was too old, too slow and was going to be crap. He wouldn't turn it off, so unwillingly watched. By the end I was so moved and entranced by this movie, I went out a bought it on DVD, I've reccommended it to everyone who'll listen and rate it best film of all time. A must see for sure.

Read all recent reviews

FREAKKKY

SAUSAGEMONKEY from , 25th May, 2009

Don't get carried away thinking of Hollywood blockbusters. This is classic cinematography and should be taken in this light. Story itself is interesting enough although told in a dated way. Has a relevant plot line for the rest to fall on. The real magic is in the meat of the film. Watch not for the story but for the shots. For example 'the Worm' circus performer with no legs or arms, taking a cigarette out of a packet. Followed with lighting it up with a match. All with his mouth. The real shame comes at the end. The original ending was viewed too horrific in the 1930's. A lot of cutting was done and sadly lost forever. The end of the film turns dark with revenge and you get the feeling the original would have been shocking by todays standards. Worth putting on your list to see before you die. Main thing worth noting is there are no special effects. All actors are genuine and due to modern medicine a film like this will probably never be made again.

Read all recent reviews