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The War Zone

Play trailer Poster for The War Zone R,  1999,  1h 38m,  Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 86% 28 Reviews Tomatometer 83% 5,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
86% Tomatometer 28 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
After his family relocates from London to rural Devon, sullen British teen Tom (Freddie Cunliffe) spends most of his time moping about the house. When he inadvertently discovers an incestuous relationship between his older sister, Jessie (Lara Belmont), and their father (Ray Winstone), the revelation threatens to have dire consequences. The mother of the family (Tilda Swinton), unaware of the dark secret, has recently given birth, and the siblings must contend with the harrowing situation.
The War Zone

What to Know

Critics Consensus

With the well-acted The War Zone, debuting director Tim Roth finds moments of beauty in a tale of stark horror -- and marks himself as a talent to watch behind the camera.

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Critics Reviews

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Emanuel Levy Variety Jul 20, 2007
B-
Gifted Brit actor Tim Roth makes a feature directing debut with this well-acted, uncompromisingly depressing drama about a working-class family torn apart by incest and abuse. Go to Full Review
Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Jan 1, 2000
4/4
Roth is one of the best actors now working, and with this movie he reveals himself as a director of surprising gifts. I cannot imagine The War Zone being better directed by anyone else, even though Ingmar Bergman and Ken Loach come to mind. Go to Full Review
Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Sep 26, 2020
4.0/4.0
The best film ever created on the subject of sexual abuse/family violence. Go to Full Review
John A. Nesbit Old School Reviews Jul 2, 2012
B
dark and disturbing journey of family dysfunction Go to Full Review
Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com Oct 10, 2005
4/5
A truly terrifying and tragic drama. Go to Full Review
Jake Euker F5 (Wichita, KS) Jun 12, 2005
2/5
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Audience Reviews

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Albus W Nov 12, 2017 Such peculiar relationships, almost seems unfilmable, but I think Roth does a good job letting the ambiguous, cold visuals speak for itself, not letting it be so apparent like most film adaptations. See more
Abraham W May 16, 2017 good acting but too dark and depressing for me. disturbing tale about family abuse and incest
Ron R Jun 13, 2016 Roth's directorial debut is a deeply unsettling film that successfully captures the devastating impact of incest. This frank, realistic depiction allows the viewer to vicariously feel the ambivalence and tempestuous feelings associated with the activity leaving the viewer feel just as violated and confused as the film's protagonist. Roth's skillful direction, and forceful performances from the cast (particularly Winstone) create a disturbing, powerful film that lingers and haunts long after it's over. Note: An NC-17 rating is better suited for this film. See more
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The War Zone

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Cast & Crew

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Tim Roth

Director

Ray Winstone

Dad

Tilda Swinton

Mum

Lara Belmont

Jessie

Freddie Cunliffe

Tom

Kate Ashfield

Lucy

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The War Zone

The War Zone (1999) The War Zone (1999) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After his family relocates from London to rural Devon, sullen British teen Tom (Freddie Cunliffe) spends most of his time moping about the house. When he inadvertently discovers an incestuous relationship between his older sister, Jessie (Lara Belmont), and their father (Ray Winstone), the revelation threatens to have dire consequences. The mother of the family (Tilda Swinton), unaware of the dark secret, has recently given birth, and the siblings must contend with the harrowing situation.
Director
Tim Roth
Producer
Sarah Radclyffe
Screenwriter
Alexander Stuart
Distributor
Lot 47 Films
Production Co
Fandango, Mikado Films
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 29, 1999, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 28, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$237.0K
Runtime
1h 38m
Sound Mix
Stereo
Aspect Ratio
35mm, Scope (2.35:1)
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