Watch The Gates of Hell

The Gates of Hell is a classic Italian horror movie directed by Lucio Fulci, released in 1980. It tells the story of a young woman named Liza (played by Catriona MacColl) who travels to a small town in New England to research a book she is writing. But upon her arrival, she starts to notice some strange and disturbing events happening in the town. She discovers that the town is built over one of the seven gates of Hell, and the opening of the gate brings horrors beyond imagination.

The movie begins with an intense scene, as a medium named Mary is performing a séance in a New York loft. The scene is set in an eerie and dark atmosphere, and the medium struggles to speak with a spirit from beyond the veil. It is revealed that the spirit is the son of a priest from Dunwich, Massachusetts, who had hanged himself in a cemetery. The priest had underlined the words "The Book of Enoch," and Mary senses the presence of something sinister. Her eyes turn white, and she screams before dying in agony, which sets the tone of the movie.

Meanwhile, Liza arrives at the deserted Dunwich cemetery and meets John McCabe (played by Christopher George), a local reporter. McCabe is investigating the disappearance of a famous artist who used to live in the area, and he soon teams up with Liza, who is also interested in the artist for her book. They explore a rundown hotel, where the artist had stayed, and soon find themselves in the middle of a supernatural horror show.

The Gates of Hell is known for its over-the-top gore and violence, which were quite shocking when the movie was released. The special effects are crude by today's standards, but they still manage to create a visceral and disturbing atmosphere. The movie is filled with gruesome scenes, from a man's eyeball being impaled on a splinter of wood to a woman being chewed up by a pack of hungry dogs. The practical effects are a mix of impressive and cheesy, but they all add to the feeling of dread and horror.

As Liza and McCabe continue their investigation, they discover that the town is cursed by a priest who had opened one of the seven gates of Hell. The priest had been trying to stop evil from spreading, but his act unleashed a demonic force that cannot be contained. The town is soon overrun by the undead, and the living are hunted down like prey. Liza and McCabe try to flee the town, but they realize that they must confront the source of the evil to stop it from spreading.

The Gates of Hell is a slow-burn horror movie that relies on atmosphere and suspense to build tension. It is not a jump-scare fest, but it's a movie that will make your stomach churn. The use of light and shadow is excellent, and the movie has an almost dream-like quality that adds to its surreal nature. The acting is hit-and-miss, with some performances bordering on the melodramatic, but the movie's real star is the cinematography.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is the infamous "eye-gouging scene." It was banned in several countries and was considered one of the most violent scenes ever filmed at the time. The scene is excruciatingly graphic, and it will make you wince, but its impact on horror cinema cannot be denied.

The Gates of Hell is not a perfect movie, and it may not be for everyone. It's a movie of its time, and its flaws are part of its charm. The story is somewhat convoluted, with several plot threads that don't add up, and the pace may be too slow for some viewers. However, if you're a fan of Italian horror, this movie is a must-see. Lucio Fulci was a master of the genre, and The Gates of Hell is one of his most enduring works.

In conclusion, The Gates of Hell is a classic horror movie that has stood the test of time. It is a movie that will make you uncomfortable, but it's also a movie that will leave a lasting impression. The film has inspired generations of horror filmmakers and continues to be a cult favorite among horror fans. Its graphic violence and surreal atmosphere may not appeal to everyone, but if you give it a chance, it might just become one of your favorite horror movies of all time.

The Gates of Hell is a 1980 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes.