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Title: Gabriel (2008)
Format: DVD
Score:
Starring: Andy Whitfield, Samantha Noble, and Dwaine Stevenson
Director: Shane Abbess
Rating: R (Restricted)
Runtime: 113 minutes
Hits: 110
Favorite:

Review of Gabriel

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Comments for Gabriel

• Posted on 2009-10-05
  Sexing the future
  
  If this movie was linked with religious stories, a reviewer is short of a comment for simply not knowing anything related with/of.
  
  "Good angels" had been converted into "dark angels" while experiencing realities of a real life in a real city on the Earth-and this conversion brought about illusive personal freedom from subversive existence in a divine paradise.
  
  Sex and personal physical superiority are the most such converts exercise.
  
  Movie itself is a set of scenes mixing swearing, sci-fi, actions and copulating, where "good" differs from "bad" a little, and simply sexy actors play explicitly sexist characters just viewer time to pass by.
  
  
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• Posted on 2009-09-08
  A stylistic masterpiece that deserves the title Cult Classic in every way...
  
  ... So I gave this 4 out of 5 stars though if I wasn't such a sucker for these types of dark and stylistic pieces, I would have given 3.5 out of 5 stars.
  
  "You threw me far from Grace. Now I fall unto it." - Gabriel
  
  I had a hard time rating this film. First off, it seems as if it should be horrible; or at least cheesy and over done. But it's not. It's spectacular. In the tradition of such movies as Night Watch / Day Watch (Two-Movie Collection), Immortal, and The Crow (Miramax/Dimension Collector's Series), 'Gabriel' makes up for any plot deficiencies with style and grit. In short, I think it deserves the title Cult Classic in every way :)
  
  The story is this: the "Arc Angel" Gabriel has been sent down to Purgatory - a dark city styled much like that created for 'The Crow' - to fight against the Fallen (who control the city). He is the last hope of the Light and has more than just Fallen to worry about. He's been sent down in human form, and for the first time in his existence, must battle to understand the new emotions that go along with his existence: fear, hate, anger, sorrow and even love.
  
  The premise is your standard Good versus Evil, and the idea that Purgatory is city where "Arcs" and "Fallen" battle for the souls is bit unbelievable. Much of the dialogue is also standard and expected, considering the premise - but for whatever reason, in this case the combination works perfectly.
  
  Stylistically 'Gabriel' is a masterpiece. From camera angles and lighting to visual effects and soundtrack, the film is a wonderfully dark abstraction. Andy Whitfield embodies the role of the conflicted archangel Gabriel - his nuanced and soulful performance bringing heartfelt believability to his character; even in moments that would normally be unparalleled in their cheesiness. All of actors, in fact, shine within their roles, though I will admit, I especially liked Harry Pavlidis performance as the Arc Uriel.
  
  The creators' theatrical influences definitely shone through as well. One scene at the very beginning reminded me of the moment in Brandon Lee's 'The Crow' where Draven is stumbling down the street when a bunch of children run circles around him - able to 'trick or treat' on Halloween for the first time since the gangs took over. There were other throwback scenes like that one, and I loved that the filmmakers payed homage to their inspirations in such a way - without interrupting the flow at all.
  
  A note on the American release: for whatever reason the international (or possibly just the U.S.) release has a different ending than the original Australian version. Not to spoil, but the original edit made things a lot clearer, and I prefer it. The U.S. edit is a step too abstract and implies the wrong thing in my opinion. However, it is purported that 'Gabriel' is the first of of a trilogy - the second and third parts to be released at an unknown date in the future - so maybe the end of the first will be worked out at a some other time. Personally, I hope that's sooner rather than later :)
  
  Also, the website (http://www.gabrielmovie.com) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gabriel-Trilogy-Official-Page/73917071242?ref=nf) pages are a real treat and worth checking out if you interested in connecting with other fans, or just looking at what went into this film, and what is to come in the trilogy.
  
  
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• Posted on 2009-09-05
  Fascinating, a must see
  
  This does give an insight as to how some angels could have become corrupted. For the Biblical purists, they will have to be open minded. But if you have even asked yourself how could Lucifer betray God and try to take over, this movie should be interesting to you. Helps to understand the concept of free will too.
  
  It is a fictional story, but a good one!
  
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• Posted on 2009-06-07
  WAR!
  
  Gabriel is the seventh, and last of the Arcs (Angels), to be sent to "The City" (i.e. Purgatory) in order to defeat the Fallen (Angels) and release their grip on the souls therein. There are slight hints of Constantine and The Matrix and strong elements of the Prophecy Trilogy (starring Christopher Walken) so the movie falls into the action/adventure category. Moreover, the film brings to mind the Dungeons and Dragons' Planescape setting and the fascinating philosophy associated with it.
  Andy Whitfield and the rest of the cast do a very good job in their respective roles (though the acting in nothing extraordinary). The setting, the plot, the dialogues, the special effects, and the music, make Gabriel a film definitely worth watching and one to seriously consider adding to your movie collection!
  
  
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• Posted on 2009-05-28
  the bible retold in the realm of the crow
  
  I cant see how people bash this movie. It took alot of testicular fortitude to make a movie dealing with religion but turning it upside down. The people who didnt like this film are probably the same kind of people who wont watch a movie if it is black and white or doesnt have a big name leading actor/actress. This film is not set up for the typical american film that is set up for a person with an attention span that is measured in nano seconds. At times it was hard to follow but i personally believe it adds to the overall affect when everything does click together.
  I will admit i am biased in the fact that i have had an affinity toward the mythology associated with angels since i read "paradis lost". taking that out of the picture, everyone should have some affiliation with angels.
  All in all,it is a movie that i would recommend to anyone with an open mind toward movies.
  
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