Let's be realistic.

best movie i've ever seen.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

Watching BAD BLOOD today, one is immediately struck by the similarities between the look, feel, and story of the movie and the contemporary FIRST BLOOD. Both films feature loner heroes who fall foul of polite society and then are forced into becoming fugitives. The difference between them is that FIRST BLOOD is a crowd-pleasing fantasy whereas BAD BLOOD is a brutal true story with all too depressing plot ingredients.The stunning New Zealand locations are some of the best things about this atmospheric and engaging story. It tells of a rural farmer who snaps when the local authorities show up to confiscate his rifles (they need them for the war effort, the film being set during WW2). Murder and a manhunt ensue, all of it directed well by British director Mike Newell (HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE).The emphasis of the film throughout is on realism and the naturalistic performances of the actors enhance the effect. There are some truly jaw-dropping moments to be found here and it's clear that Newell is doing everything in his power to avoid sentimentalising the story, instead sticking to the cold, hard facts. I found the downbeat nature of the production a little too strong for this to be a film you can really enjoy, but it's nonetheless a strong and vivid slice of film-making, and highly memorable with it.

BAD BLOOD is about as dramatic a recreation as one could want, with tension aplenty. The first time I saw it, years ago, it had me on the edge of my seat; this time around, I found myself sympathizing with the central character, the much-put-upon Stan Graham. His plight- from the mysterious death of his cattle to the Government lackeys nipping at his heels- is one all too many farmers in THIS country can relate to; the confiscation of his rifle only added to the resentment(s). Low key but effective performances (especially by Carol Burns as his wife, Dorothy, who is at once quivering with fright and passion and paranoia) enhance a suspenseful and ultimately very sad tale of loss- loss of worldly possessions, loss of mental acuity and, ultimately, loss of Everything Worldly.

Carol burns is amazing. Have just finished watching this movie that was tucked away on a late night ABC TV slot, and it is a rare gem. Yes, it is relatively slow moving, but I found that just built the drama. It sucks you in because all the characters are so real. There are no heroes in this movie. There is also a sense of injustice at the end but to say anymore would be too big a spoiler. However, this injustice contributes to making this film feel so gritty and real. It just goes to show that with the right script, actors and location, a good director doesn't need a Hollywood style budget to craft a great movie. Bad Blood is almost a precursor to the even more gruesome and even more closer to the real events "Out of the blue", another N.Z. Film based on a more recent gunman gone mad.

This movie is boring and dumb. It is boring because they didn't take their time making it. They weren't thinking clearly. Nothing happens for the first hour. And then the wife shouts "POISONDOG" and then nothing happens for the rest of the movie. If you're a fan of the phrase "POISONDOG" or other phrases like that, or Jack Thompson II films, then check out the glory that is... Bad Blood! Otherwise avoid like plague. International. 2000.