A trio of Euro-tripping backpackers (Americans Jay Hernandez and Derek Richardson; Icelander Eythor Gudjonsson) visit an out-of-the-way Slovak town where the women are gorgeous and "because of the war there are no guys." Too late they realise that they've stumbled into an horrific trap… Gleeful, Czech-shot grand guignol from writer-director Roth (Cabin Fever), who's much busy setting up stomach-testing scenes of gory torture to properly develop his intriguing, topical political subtexts. Very much worth a look, though obviously unsuitable for those of a sensitive disposition – or Slovaks touchy about their country's global profile.

Neil Young
3rd April, 2006

HOSTEL : [6/10] : USA (US/Cz) 2005 : Eli ROTH : 93 mins (BBFC timing)
seen at Odeon cinema, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (UK), 20th March 2006 – press show

click here for Jigsaw Lounge's essay-length review of Hostel