Featured Audience Ratings

• John M

  
  A neat idea with decent acting and a solid story. This is what film making should be about.

• Directors C

  
  [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img] Vincenzo Natali is the master of surrealist science fiction cinema. Cube was his first ever film but also the one which demonstrated the strongest that he can flesh out true horror simply by manipulating… More
  [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img] Vincenzo Natali is the master of surrealist science fiction cinema. Cube was his first ever film but also the one which demonstrated the strongest that he can flesh out true horror simply by manipulating something's appearance. This micro budget thriller held the high watermark until the release of his true masterpiece, Splice. But Cube was a movie that was always really hard to follow, and it's been ripped off many times since it came out. The range of short concept, visually enigmatic horror flicks that it has undoubtedly inspired include the cynical yet ridiculously popular Saw franchise. That said unlike the film's that followed it the death sequences are gruesome and hugely innovative. Although the acting is at times slight, the overall performances flesh out a phenomenal sense of pure panic without resorting to kicking and screaming. The tension of the film cranks up every single minute as plot twists of varying predictabilities further intrigue us into the small world that has been built for us. Not a lot is said about what the titular cube setting is and the unknown motives that are behind it's existence. We are simply dropped right into the action, of which there is impressively very little, and everything we learn about the story is through the eyes of the victims of the horrors that are yet to come. At one key psychological tension between two characters explores how humans take action without asking any questions and how we lack the confidence to inquire the consequences, and how everything we do is to our own benefit. A metaphor of the movie, and 5 minutes of sharp satirical dialogue that is as intelligent as Natali's method of conceptual filmmaking. I thought it was masterfully executed, beautifully lit and effectively atmospheric. A small indie horror gem of the 90's, which to this very day is still unforgivably unheard of.

• Chris W

  
  This might be a pretty low budget sci-fi horror film, but, all things considered, it's surprisingly pretty good, and a great example of using a small budget to maximum effect by getting as creative as possible despite limitations. The plot is really Kafkaesque and follows a… More
  This might be a pretty low budget sci-fi horror film, but, all things considered, it's surprisingly pretty good, and a great example of using a small budget to maximum effect by getting as creative as possible despite limitations. The plot is really Kafkaesque and follows a group of people trapped in a series of interlocking cubical chambers, some of which are booby trapped. None of them recall exactly how they got there, or why, but all they know is that they only have so much time to figure out a way to escape (if possible) unless they want to be trapped in there forever. In a fun little nod, all the characters are named after various prisons, and their personality traits are related to some aspect of the prison they are named after. Cool. I also really liked that this film is a nice blend of math, psychology, philosophy, and bits of sci-fi and horror. For a low-budget B indie, they sure swung for the fences, and thankfully it mostly pays off. Yes, the acting isn't that great, but the scenario is cool, the execution is pretty decent, and the art direction and set design are well done. I also really love how there's a lot of mystery to things, and it's not all completely spelled out in the end. All in all, a decent and worthwhile watch. Give it a shot.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"The Walls Are Closing In."</i> 7 complete strangers of widely varying personality characteristics are involuntarily placed in an endless kafkaesque maze containing deadly traps. <center><font size=+2 face="Century… More
  <i>"The Walls Are Closing In."</i> 7 complete strangers of widely varying personality characteristics are involuntarily placed in an endless kafkaesque maze containing deadly traps. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> "Cube" is one of the most inventive low-budget sci-fi films of all-time. It proves that science fiction is about ideas and not huge budgets and over-indulgence in CGI. Its not a masterpiece (in my mind it doesn't come close to the 90s other low-budget sci-fi cult favorite "Pi"), but certainly deserves much of the hype it received. Vincenzo Natali shows much promise as a filmmaker and a screenwriter. He knows how to maintain tension and stretch out what seems to be an overtly simple short-film concept. His screenplay is also quite good, remaining credible (something few sci-fi films manage to do) and intelligent with intriguing characters. Its a bit predictable at times (of course the autistic man is going to end up being a math genius) but never overtly so. Plus, for gore-hounds, the death scenes are absolutely phenomenal and innovative.

• Mike S

  
  Some movies don't need a big budget to be really good, and this is one of them. An intriguing and convincingly acted sci-fi horror, that stands firmly on its intelligently written script. The fact that most of the actors are anonymous no-names, actually benefits the story as it… More
  Some movies don't need a big budget to be really good, and this is one of them. An intriguing and convincingly acted sci-fi horror, that stands firmly on its intelligently written script. The fact that most of the actors are anonymous no-names, actually benefits the story as it made it more unpredictable. Each and every character have something interesting about them, and it's the emotional process they go through that makes the film exciting. Be wary though, because it's not for the claustrophobic.

• Bruce B

  
  From the 1997 Toronto International Film Festival, and its one of there best suspense thrillers out there. I for one never knew of the cube series, but after watching this one I will obtain the others. Six people find themselves locked in a cube with six exits, all but one hold traps,… More
  From the 1997 Toronto International Film Festival, and its one of there best suspense thrillers out there. I for one never knew of the cube series, but after watching this one I will obtain the others. Six people find themselves locked in a cube with six exits, all but one hold traps, This cube is with in a maze of over 17,000 cues, we follow these 6 as they try to find there way out of the cube. Very enjoyable and keeps you on the edge of your seat. 4 1/2 stars.

• Antony S

  
  Excellent movie, far better than its sequels and imitators. Never wastes it's tiny budget and procures some ace performances from its no-name cast. I took a gamble on this claustrophobic sci-fi and boy did it pay off.

• Jeff "

  
  A brilliant Canadian Sci Fi Horror film, Cube is one original film, full of terror, thrills and suspense. The cast is of course comprised of unknowns, but really thats what makes this film even better. The film is a thrilling ride from start to finish and the tension build steadily to… More
  A brilliant Canadian Sci Fi Horror film, Cube is one original film, full of terror, thrills and suspense. The cast is of course comprised of unknowns, but really thats what makes this film even better. The film is a thrilling ride from start to finish and the tension build steadily to the wicked climax. Great acting, and directing are apparent in this film, and what really makes Cube soar above all other Horror films of this era (1997 was the big boom in teen horror) is the absence of terrible horror cliches found in films of this era. It's a totally original film that returns to good old fashioned thrills and suspense to create High tension and horror. Brilliant. Unfortunately the sequels weren't as excellent or elaborate as this first entry, but at least they managed to create something brilliant with this film. This could almost be seen as an inspiration to Saw. Whats very interesting is that there is no logical answer to why they're in the Cube; the why is never given and the people who created the cube is never explained. The only thing that are hinted is just wild guesses (the government is behind the cube, etc) The way the survivors of the many traps within the Cube try to ultimately figure out how to escape the Cube. Cube is a simple yet effective story. Many people view this as a thinking man's horror film and as a film it leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Which may end up being frustrating to some. However this is one awesome and unique horror film. Cube is a solid, gripping horror film with plenty of creative elements to keep asking questions long after you've seen it.

• Leigh R

  
  Neat idea. Could have come off with some better acting, but it did have an intrigue factor to it for me.

• JY S

  
  Vincenzo Natali's <i>Cube</i> is a good example that budget isn't everything.<p>The concept for <i>Cube</i> is extremely intriguing and the opening sequence does a fantastic job at grabbing the viewer's attention. The rest of the 90 minute… More
  Vincenzo Natali's <i>Cube</i> is a good example that budget isn't everything.<p>The concept for <i>Cube</i> is extremely intriguing and the opening sequence does a fantastic job at grabbing the viewer's attention. The rest of the 90 minute picture never lets go. Watching a handful of people moving from cubed room to cubed room in a bigger cube may not sound that special, but the variety of characters and suspense factor all make for an entertaining time. By the end, there are a lot of unanswered questions; however, this film still works despite all the secrecy.</p><p>Because of the story, it is easy to see how this picture only needs one set to shoot on. There are no scenes that take place outside of this maze and it doesn't need them. The dialogue of the characters is enough to explain situations outside the cube. The CG effects aren't amazing, but they are used sparingly. Once again, this film excels without them.</p><p>The acting is good and watching a few of the characters change as the film progresses is a plus. Nicole De Boer and David Hewlett gradually become the leads, while Maurice Dean Wint is the person to carry the film in the early going.</p><p><i>Cube</i> is a science fiction thriller worth checking out. Get a calculator, some boots, and enter the maze.</p>

• Wahida K

  
  I had hard time to watch this Movie. There is no point in the plot.

• Dan S

  
  A gripping tale of survival concerning a few very unique characters. This is a fantastic sci-fi/suspense film. The viewer, and characters, are always feeling unsure of what will happen next, and I really liked the scary conversion of Quentin's character.This movie undoubtedly… More
  A gripping tale of survival concerning a few very unique characters. This is a fantastic sci-fi/suspense film. The viewer, and characters, are always feeling unsure of what will happen next, and I really liked the scary conversion of Quentin's character.This movie undoubtedly inspired movies like the "Saw" series and those types of horror/suspense films. Here's the thing, it ends on a giant tease, not answering the countless number of questions the character, and viewers for that matter, have concerning this mysterious object. There are many theories out there as to what the whole movie means, this is definitely one of those movies that will do a good job blowing your mind. Arguably one of the better sci-fi movies of the 90's.

• Anthony L

  
  A very clever idea and a very original film.

• E.J. B

  
  Cube is the best sci-fi horror film since Alien. Yes, it's that good. It's a masterpiece of originality, low budget filmmaking, and tapping into the darkest realm of the human spirit. Like the best horror films, the external horror of the cube reflects how fucked up we… More
  Cube is the best sci-fi horror film since Alien. Yes, it's that good. It's a masterpiece of originality, low budget filmmaking, and tapping into the darkest realm of the human spirit. Like the best horror films, the external horror of the cube reflects how fucked up we are as a species. Six strangers wake up in this strange cube filled with smaller cube rooms. Some of the rooms are lined with traps, meaning if you enter them, you will suffer a brutally disgusting death. (And I bet if this film were made today, the movie would only be about the deaths, exploiting each trap to make you, the audience, squirm. Alas, Cube is too smart a film for that.) The six need to work together to figure a way out. Of course, as a character says early in the film, they have to save themselves from themselves. Because in the end, the group's greatest threat isn't the cube, but one of their own. Movies this original are few and far between. It was an absolute pleasure to sit through Cube. I was completely absorbed by its ideas, by the characters, by the great performances, and ultimately, by the cube itself. Who would build such a thing? And for what purpose? One can only imagine how many things mankind has created that have the ability to ruin the world.

• Ross C

  
  A group of people are trapped in some kind of giant Rubik's cube. Rather limited scope but the analysis of the trapped group psychosis and the novel idea makes an enjoyable sci-fi flick.

• _kelly .

  
  Just finished re-watching the Cube series, and this is still my favorite entry. The drama is tight, and the production design is actually my favorite of the three Cube movies. This is a suspense movie that has broad appeal, whereas the sequels would only appeal to people fascinated… More
  Just finished re-watching the Cube series, and this is still my favorite entry. The drama is tight, and the production design is actually my favorite of the three Cube movies. This is a suspense movie that has broad appeal, whereas the sequels would only appeal to people fascinated with the "Cube" idea. This is solidly shot with great acting, and establishes a consistent mood of the many emotions one would experience inside the Cube: hopelessness, claustrophobia, frustration, exhaustion, and the lunacy that results.<br/><br/>"So Fucked Up" highlight:<br/>the conclusion

• Tsubaki S

  
  Interesting concept, good performances, feels it could have gone further. Neverless, good stuff.

• Emily A

  
  I forgot how much I love this movie until I saw it on TV today. It's like Saw before there was Saw, and the scares it created were incidental. It's like it freaks you out without even trying. The story is even more bleak and creepy; a bunch of people trapped in some sort of… More
  I forgot how much I love this movie until I saw it on TV today. It's like Saw before there was Saw, and the scares it created were incidental. It's like it freaks you out without even trying. The story is even more bleak and creepy; a bunch of people trapped in some sort of death maze with apparently no one even watching from behind a camera. Like the cube itself is having some sort of existential crisis and the presence of victims therefore justify its existence. Very creepy, but tremendously well executed and acted. Well written too. I want to see this again.

• Film C

  
  weird but reli gd sort of a sci fi

• Lafe F

  
  This movie is very original; the only other works which spring to mind are the classic Twilight Zone episode with the people trapped inside a box, and the novel "House of Stairs" by William Sleator. But CUBE develops it into a more realistic setting. A group of people (named… More
  This movie is very original; the only other works which spring to mind are the classic Twilight Zone episode with the people trapped inside a box, and the novel "House of Stairs" by William Sleator. But CUBE develops it into a more realistic setting. A group of people (named after famous prisons) are trying to escape a maze of cube-shaped rooms, some with lethal and gruesome traps. Each person has special talents which could assist a solution; will they be able to work together long enough to get out alive? Very enjoyable film. The filmmakers give a good idea of the layout of the rooms and the hopelessness of the situation. It's a good study of human psychology as well. This is a very watchable movie with good gore effects. Highly rated.

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