This moving has good acting, direction and purpose. I think Orlando Bloom showed he can really act, maybe for the first time in his career. I wish there was more closure in a few areas but overall it was very well done. It's a disturbing subject but really powerful and a good execution.
47 Reviews
Not What's Expected
Spidenus81629 September 2020
Leave Revenge In The Hands Of The Lord!!!!
wandernn1-81-6832744 March 2022
A different sort of role for Orlando Bloom, as an ex-con fighting through his reality many years after being molested by a Priest of the church. It doesn't come off as yet another hit piece on the church at least. It is however, a dark and moody movie. It's not bad and also not great. The best part of it is that it had some language and skin. 6/10.
Powerful watch
rorynolan21 July 2018
I watched this film while in Poland and was unexpectedly blown away. Orlando Bloom gives the performance of his career with another sterling supporting performance from Alex Ferns. At times this film is challenging to watch as the lead character is dealing with the repercussions of sexual abuse, however it is a subject matter that begs to be addressed and is dealt with exceptionally well.
If thy enemy hunger. Feed him.
nogodnomasters1 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Malcolm (Orlando Bloom) was abused as a tween by a priest. He has relationship issues, anger management issues, sexual issues, and rage. He works in destruction. He is destroying St. Michael's when he espies the priest that molested him. This sets him off.
That is pretty much the story, watching Orlando Bloom cope and stick a pole up his butt. His job as being destructive was I suppose symbolic, but not developed.
Romans refers to Romans 12: 20. The Buddhist monk ending was hokey.
Guide: F-word, sex, nudity.
That is pretty much the story, watching Orlando Bloom cope and stick a pole up his butt. His job as being destructive was I suppose symbolic, but not developed.
Romans refers to Romans 12: 20. The Buddhist monk ending was hokey.
Guide: F-word, sex, nudity.
Thinking about it after watching
Freedom0602868 September 2021
This one wasn't easy for me to sit through, but in the end, it was well worth the watch.
Very good performance by Orlando Bloom, as well as by Charlie Creed-Miles.
They should have stuck with the title "ROMANS" because a certain passage in that part of the New Testament is really the central theme of the story, at least it was for me.
Most movies are easily forgettable, but not this one. I'm thinking about it long after watching.
Very good performance by Orlando Bloom, as well as by Charlie Creed-Miles.
They should have stuck with the title "ROMANS" because a certain passage in that part of the New Testament is really the central theme of the story, at least it was for me.
Most movies are easily forgettable, but not this one. I'm thinking about it long after watching.
Don't be fooled by the trailer or poster
Topaz192214 November 2020
Although dealing with a sensitive issue, this movie AKA Retaliation, was dreadfully long and boring. I watched this solely on the trailer. I should've just watched the trailer 50 times. The only good part was the last 10 minutes of the movie. Don't waste your time.
Heapin' them coals
jeroduptown16 July 2021
Waited and waited and waited
wildwitchca4 January 2021
I waited for something to happen. I waited for me to actually care for any character. I waited for the story to do SOMETHING....it didn't. Very disappointing considering it's such a sad issue and the truth needs to be told.
Bravo! Powerful film!
ReelReviewer91120 February 2022
Underrated gem.
Yes, it's dark subject matter but the message is bright.
PhenomEnal work by the cast! Orlando Bloom delivers a performance that should have been anything but swept under the rug. This one deserves your attention.
Yes, it's dark subject matter but the message is bright.
PhenomEnal work by the cast! Orlando Bloom delivers a performance that should have been anything but swept under the rug. This one deserves your attention.
Keep going.
bluestoddler30 November 2020
Terrible movie. Depressing from start to finish. I wish I could have that hour and a half back, local news during the pandemic would be more uplifting. Watch it at your own risk, but I felt so much worse after watching it. Man I hate movies like this.
From someone who knows
c-bevan26 April 2018
An excellent movie about a very sad and disturbing subject.
Orlando Bloom's performance was so well done I believed every look and sound of his character.
There are so many people who are in need of help in this world.
My hope is that this movie will help make a change, somewhere.
I give it a 7
zoiee26 August 2019
This movie is an emotional one that's for sure. It's unfortunate how many people truly feel like this in the world. It touches on a subject that is disturbingly common and yet needs to be told. And it tells it well. the acting is magnificent and the cinematography is vividly presented. Just make sure you have some tissues on stand by is my advice.
Forgettable
Astaroth2220 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
There are some out there who will like a certain something, whether it be a subject or actor, and simply rate anything at all involving these things a "10" before even watching the film. Concerning this movie, I challenge these people to watch first then ask themselves if they can honestly say it was even average ("5"). Most of us know we can have a group of good (or even great) Actors and a film can still fall short. And here, while looking at this effort in its totality, this does. It's undeniable. It's just NOT good. Perhaps a movie concerning these abuses will be made that is - but this ain't it. Perhaps Bloom's acting will be better able to shine in his next role because that movie might actually be worthwhile - but in this one his efforts could not save it.
A knockout performance and a tragic story make a serious cinematic experience.
JohnDeSando15 August 2020
"Be not carried away to revenge and retaliation (Romans, 12,V 19) by evil which is committed against you, but overcome the evil by the good which you show to your enemy (V20), put to shame by your noble spirit, ceases to act malignantly against you . . . ." Paul
Retaliation, starring a surprisingly competent Orlando Bloom as Malky, is about a demolition worker trying to demolish the memory of abuse by a priest when Malky was 12. The plot is simple, a thriller at the least, encouraging the audience to guess whether he will exorcise his demon or take Christ's advice (see above).
The film focuses almost exclusively on Malky, whose growing torture about the abuse bleeds out into everything he encounters, be it his Mum (Anne Reed), his best friend, Jo (Alex Ferns), or, most lamentably, girlfriend Emma (Janet Montgomery). His rage is palpable, and because he shares its reason with no one, it is quietly volcanic.
At times the metaphors (cross, stigmata, and glasses, just for starters) are heavy; yet Bloom so effectively carries their weight, they serve as effectively as could be expected without distracting. The text from Paul helps audiences to understand the victim's dilemma as well as answer how Malky can appease the vengeance.
Bloom is a revelation-abandoning for the moment his pretty boy roles-by turning in a memorable performance recently as an army captain in The Outpost, and in this role underplaying and overplaying grief and anger without relying on the charms that made him a global star.
For those who were brought up Catholic, stories of priestly abuse haunt even more when they are true. My attempted abuse by a priest when I was an undergraduate stays with me as I reconcile the disparity between piety and pederasty, its prevalence and its persistence. Retaliation will prevail as one of the best takes on religious perfidy.
Retaliation, starring a surprisingly competent Orlando Bloom as Malky, is about a demolition worker trying to demolish the memory of abuse by a priest when Malky was 12. The plot is simple, a thriller at the least, encouraging the audience to guess whether he will exorcise his demon or take Christ's advice (see above).
The film focuses almost exclusively on Malky, whose growing torture about the abuse bleeds out into everything he encounters, be it his Mum (Anne Reed), his best friend, Jo (Alex Ferns), or, most lamentably, girlfriend Emma (Janet Montgomery). His rage is palpable, and because he shares its reason with no one, it is quietly volcanic.
At times the metaphors (cross, stigmata, and glasses, just for starters) are heavy; yet Bloom so effectively carries their weight, they serve as effectively as could be expected without distracting. The text from Paul helps audiences to understand the victim's dilemma as well as answer how Malky can appease the vengeance.
Bloom is a revelation-abandoning for the moment his pretty boy roles-by turning in a memorable performance recently as an army captain in The Outpost, and in this role underplaying and overplaying grief and anger without relying on the charms that made him a global star.
For those who were brought up Catholic, stories of priestly abuse haunt even more when they are true. My attempted abuse by a priest when I was an undergraduate stays with me as I reconcile the disparity between piety and pederasty, its prevalence and its persistence. Retaliation will prevail as one of the best takes on religious perfidy.
Boring
bethrinehart19 August 2020
I LOVE Orlando Bloom but this movie was so boring. I almost turned it off but pushed through hoping it would get better. It didn't. It had nothing to do with the acting...just a boring story line. I was so excited to watch a movie of his where he survived and wasn't killed off... lots of potential yet such a let down 😕
Powerful!
kwihui16 February 2022
It was well done film. Orlando Bloom is an amazing actor. Note : I do not give out compliments to just any actors. My standards are very high. However, when an actor performs exceptionally I feel compelled to share my opinion in the areas such as the IMDb sites.
The subject portrayed in the film made me cringe that the man who is a representative of god and his works can do these horrible deeds to the innocent children is just too horrible!
I like that Malcom was "big enough" man to forgive the monster/evil/devil for what he has done so many years ago. This monster ruined his life and set the heavy weight on the boy for over twenty-five years, even though the burden was not his fault!
Malcom's mother I didn't like at all, blindly following the establishment! She is the person that Malcom trusted most, his mom who should have protected him rather than the church she espoused to believe more than her injured son!
She chose to continue in her belief no matter what. What kind of a mother does that!
Of course we can make many excuses for her, but none are justifiable!
I do not forgive his mother!
And I could Never Ever forgive that priest or all of those catholic priests who'd been accused for those heinous acts! Never ever!
Those excuses that god will do the punishing is a B. S.!
Well dealt with a sickening issue!
Sadly, the other monsters in the real life would not follow what the film's character priest have done. But I hope there really is the special hell for them!! I really do!
The subject portrayed in the film made me cringe that the man who is a representative of god and his works can do these horrible deeds to the innocent children is just too horrible!
I like that Malcom was "big enough" man to forgive the monster/evil/devil for what he has done so many years ago. This monster ruined his life and set the heavy weight on the boy for over twenty-five years, even though the burden was not his fault!
Malcom's mother I didn't like at all, blindly following the establishment! She is the person that Malcom trusted most, his mom who should have protected him rather than the church she espoused to believe more than her injured son!
She chose to continue in her belief no matter what. What kind of a mother does that!
Of course we can make many excuses for her, but none are justifiable!
I do not forgive his mother!
And I could Never Ever forgive that priest or all of those catholic priests who'd been accused for those heinous acts! Never ever!
Those excuses that god will do the punishing is a B. S.!
Well dealt with a sickening issue!
Sadly, the other monsters in the real life would not follow what the film's character priest have done. But I hope there really is the special hell for them!! I really do!
Great Acting, Poor payoff
greyfith25 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Orlando Bloom's acting in this movie is the only redeeming quality.
Long story short, there's no payoff. Forgiveness? What kind of religious propaganda is that. There's no resolution.
Don't title a film 'Retaliation' and play it off as a vengeance story when there isn't any.
Long story short, there's no payoff. Forgiveness? What kind of religious propaganda is that. There's no resolution.
Don't title a film 'Retaliation' and play it off as a vengeance story when there isn't any.
Absolutely nothing like the trailer
davebussard10 November 2020
A very slow but decent movie. A great ending that you were not expecting, but it takes forever to get there. If you're looking for an action packed thriller like the trailer suggests, forget it. If you're looking for a serious movie the touches on a very serious subject, OK.
Boring but good acting
skinzilla15 November 2020
Way too slow and uneventful. The girlfriend and best friend do a much better job of acting than Bloom. All he does is look intense and act angry. Despite the good acting, there is little emotional attachment to the characters. For such a powerful subject, the film should have been oozing with emotions. I would advise you to skip it
Lord of the Rings will never be the same
cclay4027 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
For me now that I've seen Orlando Bloom in such a dark movie. It was tough to watch but a good movie. Anyone who knows about the dysfunction and and rage stemming from abuse can see this is about as real as it gets. I struggled watching it especially the part with his Mom because my Mom is narcissistic. I felt so bad for Malcolm - having gone through sexual abuse at 12 then having a mother that was narcissistic, he didn't get comfort from the one person who may have been able to help him. I felt bad for poor Em who desperately wanted to love Malcolm but was rejected at every turn -- and didn't know why which made it even more painful. Every time she asked Malcolm "is it me, have I done something wrong" was gut wrenching. Malcolm's self harm (raping himself and stabbing his hand ugh) and rage were unfortunately part of the cycle of abuse but I think the fact that it was bottled up made it all so much more explosive. Then there were those awful visits with his mother that made me feel tense -- she was so condescending and critical particularly about his prison stint-- "neighbors talking behind my back, you left me here for two years, I was so ashamed." Let's not leave out her frequent comments "you don't look right, your face is tight, your'e not right. "
But the kicker for me was the end when Malcolm fond his mother dead in the chair. We see that he did try to tell her about his abuse and in classic fashion she said "I'm not responsible for your shame or pain, it didn't happen." Which took me back to when they had a discussion about the priest that abused him earlier in the movie and the mother kept insisting that he was a good man with a family-- that was a real kick in the teeth after seeing the ending -- because she said that to him knowing the priest had harmed him. I guess there was some relief to this with the guy who told him about his abuse which was awful too and how he turned his life over to Christ to unload his burden. I didn't think he would have any affect on Malcolm but luckily he did get through. .and well the priest got those hot coals alright. .one big weenie roast of guilt.
Terrible
georgeschrader29 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Oh my God. I need the last 90+ minutes back. I kept waiting for it to get better. But it dragged on and on. Could've been one hour. Do we need to take 5 minutes for the priest to walk to his death. The second half was like the rest of the movie didn't exist. I kept waiting and waiting and waiting for something to happen. It's almost as if they were trying to make an Academy Award movie. I found myself fast forwarding through much of this. They'd just too much dead space. It's like taking a video of trying your show and stretching it out to 3 minutes. How it has a 5.5 I'll never know. I can't believe someone gave this a ten.
I could not even FIND Orlando Bloom in this
whatithinkis10 March 2022
It was as if he had 'grown up' and become some whole other being. There is not one misstep in this film. Every aspect of victimhood, ptsd, self-harm, sexuality, denial, help, healing, recovery, friendship, love, hate, anger, debt, discovery is revealed in a natural, realistic manner. Orlando's work is incredible. The writing is incredible. And ultimately the true horror turns out not to have been where you thought it was at all, but somewhere even worse, even more cruel and complex.
weak
blanche-210 October 2023
Malky (Orlando Bloom) is out drinking when he sees someone responsible for a horrific incident he suffered as a child. He decides to seek vengeance.
Well I don't have much to say about this one, a very dark film helped by a powerful performance..
First of all, Orlando Bloom is amazing. He plays a troubled, closed-off adult, unable to recover from what he went through - which was being sexually abused by a priest.
I have never seen anything move so slowly. Also, best I can tell, it has been marketed as some kind of revenge movie, renamed Retaliation. Don't look for a Bruce Willis-tough guy type film.
I was raised Catholic. There is NO WAY a priest would do as this priest did in the last scene. Sorry, couldn't buy it.
Well I don't have much to say about this one, a very dark film helped by a powerful performance..
First of all, Orlando Bloom is amazing. He plays a troubled, closed-off adult, unable to recover from what he went through - which was being sexually abused by a priest.
I have never seen anything move so slowly. Also, best I can tell, it has been marketed as some kind of revenge movie, renamed Retaliation. Don't look for a Bruce Willis-tough guy type film.
I was raised Catholic. There is NO WAY a priest would do as this priest did in the last scene. Sorry, couldn't buy it.
WASTE OF TIME!
mrthompson-3346025 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This was an absolutely disturbing wasting of time. You keep waiting for it to pick up, but don't hold your breathe. The trailer is misleading in every way!!!!! No he doesn't get "retaliation" or anything else. It was the worst movie we've watched all year.
Orlando bloom looks constipated through the entire movie. The same awful piano music plays through in damn near every scene. Whoever thinks this movie was "artful and "brilliant" needs their head examined. Bloom is a rape victim, yes we know. You get the entire point of the movie within the first five minutes, with the remaining of the movie painfully dragging out.
Orlando bloom looks constipated through the entire movie. The same awful piano music plays through in damn near every scene. Whoever thinks this movie was "artful and "brilliant" needs their head examined. Bloom is a rape victim, yes we know. You get the entire point of the movie within the first five minutes, with the remaining of the movie painfully dragging out.
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