Island of Death (1978)

Overrated

Amateur movie with Big budget

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

It's interesting to note that writer / producer / director Nico Mastorakis took his inspiration for this notorious Video Nasty from the success of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre". He was determined to outdo it in terms of what perversions he could bring to the table, and it's fairly safe to say that he achieved his mission. This is an effectively sleazy and nutty film that quickly segues from gorgeous travelogue to exercise in pure, hard edged exploitation. Mastorakis adopts an "everything but the kitchen sink" approach when coming up with ideas. Among other things, we see some impulsive bestiality, a golden shower, rape, drug use, and a highly memorable plane ride.Robert Behling and Jane Lyle play Christopher and Celia, a good looking young couple taking in the sights and sounds of the Greek island of Mykonos. However, they're also there in indulge in their violent and depraved whims. Although, after a fashion, Celia implores Christopher that there be "no more victims", he's the kind of guy who can *always* find a reason to murder somebody."Island of Death" is pretty fun for movie lovers who treasure the trashy side of world cinema. While it goes on a little too long for any exploitation film, at an hour and 46 minutes, and may lose the viewers' full attention on occasion, it still comes up with memorable depravity often enough to make it an acceptable viewing experience. The gorgeous photography & scenery stand in marked contrast to every raunchy thing taking place on screen. There's nudity from both of our leads and a fair level of gore. The intense Behling and the more straight laced Lyle are entertaining, and backed up adequately by Jessica Dublin as Patricia, Gerard Gonalons as Foster, Jannice McConnell as Leslie, and Nikos Tsachiridis as the mangy looking shepherd.People may want to put this on their "to watch" list, especially if they want to make a point of checking out everything on the Video Nasty list.Seven out of 10.

I don't really quite fully understand what I have just viewed. This film was stupid and rubbish. I'm a big lover of the 'video nasties' and have done a lot of research into this film. I watched it expecting some good cheap thrills but got nothing. Not even good camera shots or any plot. Nothing. Just an annoying couple going round some Greek island murdering random people.I know that thats the plot and all but damn it wasn't even that notorious in my opinion. Yes i can see why it was banned but not once did it make me cringe or feel disgusted. I even watched the uncut version on the horror channel, but just weren't feeling it. I just didn't understand the motives behind it. PLUS the acting is just god awful. I mean the British accent the actress uses reminds me of Austin Powers. Was hilarious and killed any factor of any fear or fright.RIGHT HERES SOME SPOILERS SO IF YOUR STILL GOING TO WATCH THE FILM DON'T READ ON ************SPOILERS************* OK well the deaths in this film were poor. They were too tame for a film that is known for his shocking content! some guy gets sliced up which you don't see, only the aftermath, guy gets hanged which looks terrible sfx, head gets shot but only see brains splatter against the wall for like a millisecond or so. Best death is some women gets her head taken off with some big pusher thing...even then its not amazing.So much sex in this film its ridiculous! Every second someones being done and most of the time its allowed! Like two rape scenes i think which are terribly acted, it doesn't deliver the shock and disturbed feeling you get from viewing that content.Just basically if you like video nasties and wanna watch something thats really gonna make you disturbed, steer clear of this piece of rubbish. Doesn't deliver and seems very comical.There's like a pelican that knocks about and i swear to god, he is the real killer and main character. Best part of the film.Its a great movie, don't watch it.

English couple Celia and Chris travel to a picturesque Greek island to spend their holiday killing perverts (of which, fortunately, there are vast numbers on this island - you know the type of perverts I mean - homosexuals, lesbians, rapists, hippies, drug addicts, middle aged women...) It seems to have slipped Celia's and Chris' notice that they themselves are far worse perverts than their victims, what with their vaguely incestuous relationship (they are brother and sister), Chris having sex with goats, urinating on people - oh, and killing people.This sleazy little exploitation movie is very much a product of its "video nasty" era. It is professionally put together, nicely photographed, with attractive and sunny scenery, and an attractive leading lady who frequently sheds her clothes (collar and cuffs don't match, by the way). Unfortunately she, along with everyone else in the film, can't act to save her life, and the meretricious content of the film doesn't have the saving grace of a moral, a decent payoff, or even any sense. It is perhaps worth watching as a kind of twisted travelogue, or even just to experience it but, make no mistake, it is not a very good film. Not even if you savour bad films.

Though the concept is dated, 'Ta Paidia Tou Diavolou' (a.k.a. 'Island of Death' or 'Devils in Mykonos') could have been a better film if the story had layers and the execution did not have a B-grade feel. The movie itself seems to primarily rely on violence and shock value rather than story (which is perhaps secondary). Christopher and Celia are initially depicted as a likable romantic couple who are visiting a Greek Island. Director Nico Mastorakis does not waste time in showing that this couple is insane. However, what I felt missing was the answer to the question why? Christopher is a psychopath who engages in acts of bestiality, rape, murder, torture and he likes to photograph them but what's the story behind this sick fascination? Celia is his partner in crime and the secret behind their relationship is revealed in the end but here too the big why question remains unanswered. As a result, most of the violence appears gratuitous. However, Mykonos is portrayed quite beautifully. It makes me want to visit the place on a holiday. The acting ranges from average to bad but Jane Lyle is good in some sequences, especially when her facial expression changes from fear to a cold smile. Slightly campy, this exploitation film has obtained cult status but it could have easily been a better film had more attention been given to the story and execution.