Branded (2012) Reviews

• Hmm, why all the bad reviews? This is a rare story told well and should be appreciated as such

  JackHoffe2012-11-06

  It seems that a lot of people are threatened by simple truths in this film. Fat people don't want to be told that their food choices are being influenced by advertising. The negative ratings come from the mirror held in front of the faces of the audience, the negativity is a reflection of the shame of being overweight or the reflection of their own brands that they are wearing and the value they put in them. This is an original film that doesn't fit the current Hollywood blockbuster mold, but rather it requires self-examination of what influences human choices. There are a lot of word salad reviews on this movie already, no need for another. Go in with no expectations, come out with a cleaner view of the world and start to understand why you're craving your McDonalds/Coke/Idevice. Check it out and be pleasantly rewarded - unless your own reflection reflects something too unpleasant to accept....

• Jean-Paul Sartre, Beckett would be proud

  urthpainter2012-10-17

  Somewhere at the far edges of the absurd, the profound can be found. This movie can be enjoyed strictly as a comedy, it can be taken seriously by a few, but most should know this film reaches further than it could ever truly grasp. Branded is flawed, fun, and perhaps best enjoyed in an extremely tired, alternative state of mind. A few reviews and reviewers note that this film does not live up to its own advertising. There is irony there, but what does live up to advertising? Advertising is amongst the biggest waist of resources in contemporary society. Not just in terms of illusory currency, but the waist of many of todays greatest artists, thinkers, and idea makers; professionals payed to spin lies and manipulate participants of mass media consumption. Branded may only scratch the surface of many important current problems caused by modern media, but at least its creators and performers put themselves "out there" to ask some interesting questions. May more artists ask important questions, and help move us all to a better place.

• Advertising is out of control.

  rds_12012-10-15

  I didn't expect much of the movie, seemed like one of those film festival pieces of crap. But it really wasn't. Yes there is a certain amount of artsy-fartsy stuff put in there but that fits quite nicely. I actually watched the whole movie. To me that says something. These days most of what's new isn't or great concepts are horribly executed (and Hollywood is only remaking stuff lately). Because of that I often find myself trying to do something else while the movie is still going. That didn't happen this time. I also kinda hope this movie serves as a bit of an eyeopener, there are places where advertising is actually banned or at least from public places mainly the streets. Makes you feel peaceful being or even seeing such a place especially if you are used to be bombarded with all sorts of advertisements all day and everywhere. BTW: I didn't even have subs for the Russian parts, still very watchable. BTW: Leelee Sobieski, doesn't she look a lot look Helen Hunt (but younger)!?

• Destined To Become A Cult Classic

  craig81282012-10-14

  I just saw _Branded_ and came here to IMDb and was shocked at all of the negative reviews. Other reviews go into the plot and so forth, so I won't do that here. I guess I can understand some of the criticism: the pacing in _Branded_ is uneven, at times a bit slow, which probably doesn't sit well with contemporary movie audiences who want 90+ minutes of non-stop action. But if you can appreciate the pacing involved in telling a good story (think Kubrick or Lynch), then I think you'll appreciate _Branded_. I think this movie will become a cult classic ala _Liquid Sky_, _Repo Man_, or _Idiocracy_ - it is that rarest of things, a film with an original tale that is well-told. I've not seen a trailer for the film, but I get the idea that the trailer does not accurately reflect the movie itself, which may lead some to disappointment. But if you watch _Branded_ with an open mind and just open yourself up to the story, I think you'll find it a memorable and enjoyable experience. I fancy myself to be something of a connoisseur of quirky science fiction and fantasy movies, and I thoroughly enjoyed this film.

• A bold move

  Falconer12012-11-08

  This movie brings to light the undeniable fact that we are ALL hugely and subconsciously affected by advertising. We think we are in full control of our likes, dislikes - and purchases. But we are not. For a bit of a lark take a look at Derren Brown on Youtube to see just HOW susceptible we are. I am SICK of aggressive and jarring advertising blaring me in the ears and eyes on a daily basis and this is a movie that tries to bring this to the fore. Personally I am getting seriously bothered by the fact that I cannot go anywhere without being bombarded with a visual message of BUY MEEEEE!!! I have to ask myself, is it fair that I, in my public space am forced to be subjected to advertising just about everywhere I look? NO, it is not. It's bloody rude! Finally a movie that tries to remove the veil we have over our eyes, that tries to expose the manipulation we are all subjected to on a daily basis. It's food for thought and I sincerely hope somebody chews on it. I give it top marks for the message.