The Ninth Gate

Starring Johnny Depp, Directed by Roman Polanski

Dealing in rare books leads to dealings in the satanic for Dean Corso. A powerful collector contracts Mr. Corso to investigate an infamous book that is rumored to contain a hidden recipe for contacting the Prince of Darkness. Corso is not long on the trail when strange things start happening and it becomes clear that his investigation is a dangerous one. Corso decides that he has had enough, but realizes that a part of him can't let go of the mystery of The Ninth Gate.

We bought this movie because it was bundled with a Stir of Echoes. We wouldn't have purchased it otherwise, but The Ninth Gate is actually an interesting movie.

I don't like that this film glorifies Satan. That's just not okay. However, for me, a Christian, it was interesting to see how a filmmaker (almost certainly not a Christian) portrays Satan worshippers and portrays the influence that Satan has on the world.

I doubt that Amanda and I will ever watch this movie again, but if you enjoy watching movies about the spiritual realm - the unseen, but very real battle between good and evil on the earth, then you might enjoy this movie. Just be warned that this movie falls on the dark side of that battle.

The best thing that I could say about this movie is that it wasn't as awful as I expected. Actually, the music is hilarious. It almost belongs in a romantic comedy, and made me giggle in certain places.

Johnny Depp is again wonderful, if pointless in this movie. Things happen around him. He doesn't understand anything going on, which is convenient, because the audience doesn't either. This is one of those movies that you walk away from going, "Huh?" And NOT in a good way.

After seeing this movie, I still don't understand what was supposed to happen, or who the characters were. And you know what? I'm okay with that. I'm not gonna be racking my brain trying to understand this one like I would a good movie.