Cast
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Ashley Laurence
as Kirsty Cotton
Clare Higgins
as Julia Cotton
Kenneth Cranham
as Dr. Philip Channard / Channard Cenobite
Imogen Boorman
as Tiffany
William Hope
as Kyle MacRae
Sean Chapman
as Frank Cotton
Doug Bradley
as Pinhead
Barbie Wilde
as Female Cenobite
Simon Bamford
as ‘Butterball’ Cenobite
Nicholas Vince
as Chatterer Cenobite
Oliver Smith
as Frank the Monster
Angus MacInnes
as Detective Ronson
Ron Travis
as Workman 1
Oliver Parker
as Workman 2
Catherine Chevalier
as Tiffany's Mother
Crew
Director
- Tony Randel
Producer
- Christopher Figg
Reviews
JPV852
Pretty out there (in a good way) sequel that doesn't make a whole lot of sense but still was an entertaining supernatural horror flick, the kind of horror I'm generally not a fan of. Kind of surprising Ashley Laurence didn't go on to bigger things (her last movie was 2008). **3.5/5**
Sep 20, 2019
kevin2019
"Hellbound: Hellraiser II" is watchable enough even though it very quickly slides down the steep slope into becoming a messy shambles. It is really nothing more than a tour through the diseased imagination of Clive Barker - it is hard to believe somebody out there actually thought this was a good basis for a film instead of seeking out some description of psychiatric treatment for the poor soul - and its major handicap is that the special effects just aren't up to the challenge of supporting his thoroughly twisted and uniquely original vision. There is also a desperately heavy reliance on copious amounts of blood and gore just for the hell of it and when you add in the fact that sadly a good portion of it is also totally forgettable what you're left with is nothing more than a modest gore fest of desperately limited impact.
Aug 9, 2024
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller/Fantasy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Hellbound: Hellraiser II presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Tony Randel brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1988, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Hellbound: Hellraiser II took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1411 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Hellbound: Hellraiser II shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Martyrs, which focuses more on action than character development, Hellbound: Hellraiser II offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Dead Ringers and The Exorcist explore similar territory, Hellbound: Hellraiser II stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 23, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Budget: $3,000,000
- Revenue: $12,090,735
Where to Watch
