Search - Demonlover (Unrated Director's Cut) on DVD

"Send Us Your Fantasy And We Will Make It Real" ~ Anime, Cyb

Brian E. Erland | Brea, CA - USA | 11/14/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Note: Presented in French with English subtitles.

The 2002 release `Demonlover' directed by Olivier Assayas starts out as a immensely intriguing exploration into highly unethical, cut throat big business practices, both corporate and individual, as carried out in the high tech, Asian erotic world of Anime fantasy and cyberspace. I found the initial premise to be not only fascinating, but extremely relevant in today's overly indulgent, dangerously narcisstic environment. With such a unique storyline the possibilities seemed endless and I joyfully settled back for the ride.

Imagine how disappointed I became as I watched this wonderful storyline devolve into a "I saw what you did" revenge plot involving office politics, a missing body, kidnapping, drugs, and internet porn. To further complicate matters an excruciatingly slow tempo, terse dialogue and obscure direction make it increasingly hard for the audience to maintain focus to the end.

Despite the overall good production values and strong cast the mismanaged, convoluted script places this film in the category of "what could have been, but wasn't". If it hadn't been for the presence of the seductive Connie Nielsen I don't think I would've been able to continue to watch all the way through."