813 reviews
No rare books were harmed in the making of this film.
Unscrupulous book dealer Dean Corso (Johnny Depp) is drawn into a dangerous world of witchcraft, magic, and mystery after he is hired by collector Boris Balkan (Frank Langella) to seek out the only remaining copies of Satanic textbook 'The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows', a work reputed to have the power to summon the Devil.
After several viewings, I still don't fully comprehend everything about The Ninth Gate: it's one of those film that is deliberately ambiguous. Despite my frustration at my lack of understanding, I still have a fun time trying to further unravel the riddle, spot as-yet undiscovered clues and diabolical references, and work out the answers to questions posed by the plot.
While the film's inconclusive narrative does little to diminish my enjoyment of this wonderfully complex supernatural thriller, which benefits from excellent direction from Polanski, a great leading performance from Depp, and a suitably ominous score, I do struggle with the way in which the bibliophiles portrayed treat their treasured tomes, smoking fags and slurping alcohol as they study the text, handling the books sans protective gloves, and leaving vital pages to gather dust on top of old bookshelves—I treat second-hand paperbacks better than that!
7.5 out of 10, rounded up to 8 for IMDb.
After several viewings, I still don't fully comprehend everything about The Ninth Gate: it's one of those film that is deliberately ambiguous. Despite my frustration at my lack of understanding, I still have a fun time trying to further unravel the riddle, spot as-yet undiscovered clues and diabolical references, and work out the answers to questions posed by the plot.
While the film's inconclusive narrative does little to diminish my enjoyment of this wonderfully complex supernatural thriller, which benefits from excellent direction from Polanski, a great leading performance from Depp, and a suitably ominous score, I do struggle with the way in which the bibliophiles portrayed treat their treasured tomes, smoking fags and slurping alcohol as they study the text, handling the books sans protective gloves, and leaving vital pages to gather dust on top of old bookshelves—I treat second-hand paperbacks better than that!
7.5 out of 10, rounded up to 8 for IMDb.
- BA_Harrison
- Mar 10, 2012
- Permalink
Well crafted horror/thriller combo
- Leofwine_draca
- Aug 30, 2011
- Permalink
6.66 out of 10?
Right now, the average grade of this movie, here on IMDb is 6.6 A coincidence?
"Ninth Gate" is another, after cult classic 'Rosemary's Baby' (1968), example of critically acclaimed and controversial director's Roman Polanski... fascination with evil.
The story looks simple. A rare book dealer Dean Corso (Johny Depp) gets an assignment to compare - by first finding the missing ones - the three last copies of a medieval "Ninth Gate of the Kingdom of Shadows". Of course the hunt for the book, gets more and more complicated as strange things begin to happen and Corso gets himself involved in something beyond imagination...
"Ninth Gate" brings out of memory the "Devil's Advocate" with Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino but in many ways it's totally different. First - Roman Polanski proves he is such acclaimed director for a reason. In every scene, you feel his existence, you feel that almost every scene has its powerful significance. Part of that is great, cold and suspenseful Cinematography. Great Score by Wojciech Kilar adds to the climate of the movie.
Johny Depp is great as always, and in the seconds plan actors you won't find a bad one. The screenplay is witty, there is unexpected humour in a lot of situations which makes it an easy, fun watch until... the ending. The ending turns the movie into a dark thriller leaving lot of things open, unsaid. We can almost FEEL the evil, in the end.
7/10
"Ninth Gate" is another, after cult classic 'Rosemary's Baby' (1968), example of critically acclaimed and controversial director's Roman Polanski... fascination with evil.
The story looks simple. A rare book dealer Dean Corso (Johny Depp) gets an assignment to compare - by first finding the missing ones - the three last copies of a medieval "Ninth Gate of the Kingdom of Shadows". Of course the hunt for the book, gets more and more complicated as strange things begin to happen and Corso gets himself involved in something beyond imagination...
"Ninth Gate" brings out of memory the "Devil's Advocate" with Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino but in many ways it's totally different. First - Roman Polanski proves he is such acclaimed director for a reason. In every scene, you feel his existence, you feel that almost every scene has its powerful significance. Part of that is great, cold and suspenseful Cinematography. Great Score by Wojciech Kilar adds to the climate of the movie.
Johny Depp is great as always, and in the seconds plan actors you won't find a bad one. The screenplay is witty, there is unexpected humour in a lot of situations which makes it an easy, fun watch until... the ending. The ending turns the movie into a dark thriller leaving lot of things open, unsaid. We can almost FEEL the evil, in the end.
7/10
The secret is in plain view
not one boring moment
Never seen it and today was the day to finally watch this whodunit flick. Some say it's a gothic horror but for me it doesn't come close to a horror.
But it wasn't that bad at all. Even clocking in over 2 hours it never had a dull or boring moment. If you are into a good thriller then you are at the correct place with this flick. Okay it' do has some supernatural elements but even that won't bother you as watching this.
Pure entertaining, a good Roman Polanski flick.
Gore 0/5 Nudity 0,5/5 Effects 2/5 Story 3/5 Comedy 0/5.
But it wasn't that bad at all. Even clocking in over 2 hours it never had a dull or boring moment. If you are into a good thriller then you are at the correct place with this flick. Okay it' do has some supernatural elements but even that won't bother you as watching this.
Pure entertaining, a good Roman Polanski flick.
Gore 0/5 Nudity 0,5/5 Effects 2/5 Story 3/5 Comedy 0/5.
Interesting and Slow
What Corso represents (a theory about the last engraving)
Opulence and European Chic
I loved this film, the opulence and wonderful European locations. A film that is truly atmospheric and very special. A cast of excellent actors, Depp, Langella and Olin to name just three, certainly not a mainstream film that was going to break any box office records but a good psychologically addictive film exploring the occult. If history, books and the darker side of human nature interest you then you will find this film fascinating. Depp plays the part of a very focused, self serving and amoral loner hired by the owner of a book said to be co written by the Devil himself. Depp is to trace the authenticity of the only two remaining books thought to possibly be copies, held in private book collections in France and Portugal. Well worth watching
- Michelle-604
- Jul 19, 2006
- Permalink
Found a Few More clues
- cheshire551225800
- Jan 10, 2009
- Permalink
Rare Books would get respect.
I am having a hard time with one major flaw in this movie. The way everyone in this movie handles rare books is appalling. The men on Pawn Stars wear white cloth gloves to touch first edition Mark Twain books... so why on earth would 15th century books be handled the way these are tossed about through the whole film.
Kleenex brand tissues are handled with more reverence by my children at home than these priceless rare books in this film.
That being said I enjoyed the topic.
The acting is perhaps subpar in parts but the sets are nicely done.
Watching a Polanski movie with such disregard for details is a bit shocking.
Kleenex brand tissues are handled with more reverence by my children at home than these priceless rare books in this film.
That being said I enjoyed the topic.
The acting is perhaps subpar in parts but the sets are nicely done.
Watching a Polanski movie with such disregard for details is a bit shocking.
Roman Polanski Goes to Hell with Johnny Depp
After being hired by Frank Langella (as Boris Balkan), "Johnny Depp unlocks the gates to hell, in Roman Polanski's newest thriller. Depp stars as Dean Corso, an unscrupulous rare-book dealer who is hired to locate the remaining copies of 'The Nine Gates of the Shadow Kingdom,' a demonic manuscript that can summon the Devil. Corso becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving murder, theft, and satanic ritual; and, ultimately finds himself confronting the devil incarnate," according to official synopsis.
In order to look old, bookish Depp occasionally has a chalk-like substance added to his temples. He treats rare old books indelicately, and sometimes blows tobacco smoke on them. Despite these early warnings, "The Ninth Gate" becomes intriguing, as Depp's character unfolds the mysteries of three Satanic volumes, and their differing illustrations. Emmanuelle Seigner and Lena Olin are obviously bad news, but Depp messes with them anyway.
The major film's main weakness in that it doesn't go anywhere with its promising storyline; and, most importantly, it lacks a satisfactorily ending. You might even call it incoherent (see for yourself, if you dare). Darius Khondji's cinematography, and wheelchair-bound devil worshiper Barbara Jefford (as Baroness Kessler) are strengths.
***** The Ninth Gate (8/25/99) Roman Polanski ~ Johnny Depp, Emmanuelle Seigner, Barbara Jefford
In order to look old, bookish Depp occasionally has a chalk-like substance added to his temples. He treats rare old books indelicately, and sometimes blows tobacco smoke on them. Despite these early warnings, "The Ninth Gate" becomes intriguing, as Depp's character unfolds the mysteries of three Satanic volumes, and their differing illustrations. Emmanuelle Seigner and Lena Olin are obviously bad news, but Depp messes with them anyway.
The major film's main weakness in that it doesn't go anywhere with its promising storyline; and, most importantly, it lacks a satisfactorily ending. You might even call it incoherent (see for yourself, if you dare). Darius Khondji's cinematography, and wheelchair-bound devil worshiper Barbara Jefford (as Baroness Kessler) are strengths.
***** The Ninth Gate (8/25/99) Roman Polanski ~ Johnny Depp, Emmanuelle Seigner, Barbara Jefford
- wes-connors
- Apr 15, 2009
- Permalink
A Great Film - Highly Underrated
The Ninth Gate is a great film and one of Roman Polanski's most underrated films. Twenty years from now people will give this film the respect it deserves and hail it to be the great film that it is.
Fist of all The Ninth Gate is not an action film. It's a slow-paced psychological thriller very similar in tone and style to Polanski's earlier films Chinatown and Frantic. Johnny Depp and Frank Langella both give great performances. Darius Khondji's photography is amazing and it has an even more amazing score by Kilar. The majority of the film was shot on location and is like a guided tour through Europe.
Ignore the negative reviews and comments from people who've been brainwashed and blinded by the current Hollywood fast-food style of film making with the intention of only appealing to the lowest common denominator. A review doesn't make a good film better or a bad film worse. A superb film. Rating 10 out of 10.
Fist of all The Ninth Gate is not an action film. It's a slow-paced psychological thriller very similar in tone and style to Polanski's earlier films Chinatown and Frantic. Johnny Depp and Frank Langella both give great performances. Darius Khondji's photography is amazing and it has an even more amazing score by Kilar. The majority of the film was shot on location and is like a guided tour through Europe.
Ignore the negative reviews and comments from people who've been brainwashed and blinded by the current Hollywood fast-food style of film making with the intention of only appealing to the lowest common denominator. A review doesn't make a good film better or a bad film worse. A superb film. Rating 10 out of 10.
- Bloodfordracula
- Jul 30, 2003
- Permalink
Some people don't know what "thriller" means...
Could've Been MUCH Better...
Spoiler: About the girl: Read the book
Meeting the Devil
- claudio_carvalho
- Nov 21, 2012
- Permalink
Polanski Creates a Masterpiece
Greatly enjoyed this very mysterious film dealing with people trying to secure very rare books dealing with the supernatural and a desire to secure the powers of the devil. Johnny Depp, (Dean Corso) and Frank Langella, (Boris Balkan) are the two men trying to obtain these books in order to find the Secrets of the Ninth Gate. Boris Balkan wears very thick eyeglasses and you can hardly recognize him and he also likes to stand in a circle of fire and laugh his head off. There is a mysterious Girl who makes quite a few appearances in this film played by Emmanuelle Seigner,(The Girl) who is the real wife of Roman Polanski. As this film progresses, you will begin to learn just who this girl is, especially when you see her sexy burning Green Eyes glaring into your eyes and she does a very good job of seducing Dean Corso. This is truly a great film and Roman Polanski made this film into a Classic for all generation to view and enjoy.
Proves You Don't Need A Ton Of Action To Make A Good Thriller
What makes this movie rather unique in this day-and-age is to see a horror- occult movie that has very little action. That may turn off a lot of modern-day viewers and critics but I thought it was refreshing.....as long as the story could still keep one's attention, which it did. It also did it with a pretty long movie: 133 minutes. I have played this movie several times for friends and no one has gotten bored.
The attraction is (1) decent acting; (2) some great sets; (3) an involving story; (4) interesting characters and (5) low profanity.
What keeps most viewers interested is simply wondering what is going to happen next in "Dean Corso's" (Johnny Depp) quest to figure out the hidden message. Without giving anything away, this is a classy, solid thriller.....and more importantly, fun to watch.
The attraction is (1) decent acting; (2) some great sets; (3) an involving story; (4) interesting characters and (5) low profanity.
What keeps most viewers interested is simply wondering what is going to happen next in "Dean Corso's" (Johnny Depp) quest to figure out the hidden message. Without giving anything away, this is a classy, solid thriller.....and more importantly, fun to watch.
- ccthemovieman-1
- Nov 8, 2006
- Permalink
Mystery, suspense and terror with a cool Johnny Deep and well directed by Polanski
The books-sleuth Dean Corso(Johnny Deep) is contracted by a famous magnate and tomes collector named Balkan(Frank Langella) to authenticate the rare text 'The ninth gate of the kingdom of shadows', a 17th century occult book reportedly have been written by the demon. He must encounter the only other two copies of this strange book who give his proprietary an extraordinary power. Corso undergoes a dangerous voyage through Madrid, Toledo, Paris and towards a strange castle. Corso asks help his friend Bernie(James Russo) and an old books-expert(Jose Lopez Rodero) .The book's first copy is possessed by a solitary individual(Jack Taylor) and the second by an old widow paralytic(Barbara Jefford).Corso confronts natural and supernatural problems in this terrifying adventure pursued by an enigmatic woman(Emmanuelle Seigner).
This exciting movie packs mystery, tension, spooky scenes, strikingly suspense and creepy images.The picture is entertaining , however contains some moments a little embarrassing such as the surprisingly scenes about the satanic reunion, similarly made to 'Eyes wide shut' by Stanley Kubrick. Glamorous cinematography by Darius Khondji and suspenseful musical score by Wojciech Killar. The tale is based on Arturo Perez Reverte's novel whose books have been adapted to cinema in several occasions(Alatriste,Nautical chart, Tablet of Flandes, Fencing master). The motion picture is professionally directed by Roman Polanski(The pianist,Bitter moon,Frantic,Dance of vampires), though very inferior his classic'Rosemary's Baby'. Rating : Acceptable and passable.
This exciting movie packs mystery, tension, spooky scenes, strikingly suspense and creepy images.The picture is entertaining , however contains some moments a little embarrassing such as the surprisingly scenes about the satanic reunion, similarly made to 'Eyes wide shut' by Stanley Kubrick. Glamorous cinematography by Darius Khondji and suspenseful musical score by Wojciech Killar. The tale is based on Arturo Perez Reverte's novel whose books have been adapted to cinema in several occasions(Alatriste,Nautical chart, Tablet of Flandes, Fencing master). The motion picture is professionally directed by Roman Polanski(The pianist,Bitter moon,Frantic,Dance of vampires), though very inferior his classic'Rosemary's Baby'. Rating : Acceptable and passable.
A tragically under-appreciated work of art
Ponderous Polanski
On a purely technical level, Roman Polanski has made some of the most entertaining, enrapturing long movies in the history of cinema. "The Ninth Gate" is another epic that goes on for over 2 hours, but ultimately suffers from a distinct lack of wonder and urgency. For a film whose theme regards the revival of Lucifer through an ancient text, it never feels overly apocalyptic. It doesn't help that our protagonist, rare-book dealer Dean Corso (Johnny Depp, still excellent), is so mercenary in his quest that he never displays much in the way of human emotion (he barely reacts to the death of a collaborator, for instance). Lena Olin shows up in a few scenes as a femme fatale; Frank Langella plays a millionaire looking to conjure up Old Scratch (and quite literally 'phones in' his performance). Polanski's overall execution is rambling--15 or 20 minutes could have easily been shaved off this baby, and the end result would have been a much more economical picture. However, he wrings as much passion from the B-level material as possible, and winds up with a result that is not on par with his previous works, but still not all that bad.
- Jonny_Numb
- May 12, 2006
- Permalink
Decent buildup that goes nowhere
The movie is a riddle too
Roman Polanski's movies aren't about shooting and destruction like so many other movies these days, his movies are about people and their remarkable adventures. The Ninth Gate is supposed to be a thriller or horror movie but it is neither. The Ninth Gate is an occult movie and that is a whole different ballpark.
spoilers ahead!
'You have before you the mystery of which men have dreamed throughout the centuries. Thousands have died an agonizing death in hopes of just a glimpse of what you're about to see!' Those words are spoken by Boris Balkan, moments before he sets himself on fire in an attempt to raise the devil. The Ninth Gate is not only a movie about occultism, it is an occult movie by itself. First there is of course the obvious story that most people find quite disappointing BUT under the surface there is the real story that is only understood by those who are fairly familiar with symbolism and occultism.
Although The Ninth gate is based on just a part of the book El Club Dumas, it is nevertheless a clever story of its own.
The movie is about a riddle that is supposed to be hidden in three books, in the end that riddle is solved by Dean Corso. The movie itself contains a riddle and that riddle is to be solved by us. Besides the engravings, lots of symbolism and hints will help us understand the meaning of several strange events and eventually the meaning of what the story is all about and what happened to Balkan and Corso. The plot is created around a joke, a joke that is based on a misunderstanding. This makes a movie that one needs to see more than once, I bought the DVD and saw it over twenty times. The story gets better every time you watch it, pay attention to even the smallest details like the color of the mysterious girl's socks, there is a good reason why Corso has a shoulder bag and an overcoat he never seems to part from, until the 'notorious' very last scene; shoulder bag and overcoat are gone... Aren't you curious about the meaning of broken glasses in combination of a mark between the eyes? Search the internet for the answers to the questions you have. It's fun if you like to solve riddles, I had a great time.
spoilers ahead!
'You have before you the mystery of which men have dreamed throughout the centuries. Thousands have died an agonizing death in hopes of just a glimpse of what you're about to see!' Those words are spoken by Boris Balkan, moments before he sets himself on fire in an attempt to raise the devil. The Ninth Gate is not only a movie about occultism, it is an occult movie by itself. First there is of course the obvious story that most people find quite disappointing BUT under the surface there is the real story that is only understood by those who are fairly familiar with symbolism and occultism.
Although The Ninth gate is based on just a part of the book El Club Dumas, it is nevertheless a clever story of its own.
The movie is about a riddle that is supposed to be hidden in three books, in the end that riddle is solved by Dean Corso. The movie itself contains a riddle and that riddle is to be solved by us. Besides the engravings, lots of symbolism and hints will help us understand the meaning of several strange events and eventually the meaning of what the story is all about and what happened to Balkan and Corso. The plot is created around a joke, a joke that is based on a misunderstanding. This makes a movie that one needs to see more than once, I bought the DVD and saw it over twenty times. The story gets better every time you watch it, pay attention to even the smallest details like the color of the mysterious girl's socks, there is a good reason why Corso has a shoulder bag and an overcoat he never seems to part from, until the 'notorious' very last scene; shoulder bag and overcoat are gone... Aren't you curious about the meaning of broken glasses in combination of a mark between the eyes? Search the internet for the answers to the questions you have. It's fun if you like to solve riddles, I had a great time.
- Tardis_phone_home
- Aug 22, 2005
- Permalink
Ending is a bit off
- hgooding-99427
- Jan 29, 2021
- Permalink
Why does Mr. Polanski ruin this film??
The first 30 minutes of this film is great. But as we have seen from Hollywood in many movies. They are lousy at endings. And the same goes for this movie. This is crap. When I think about it, I'm not even sure Polanski has directed the whole movie. It's doesn't seem like it. I just don't understand why he couldn't see that the ending was terrible. Johnny Depp is quite good, but I can understand why he refuse to comment on this film. He said "Let's put it this way. I'm not satisfied with the film" That says it all.
3 out of 10
3 out of 10