The film ‘Natural Born Killers’ has landed on Amazon Prime after having spent years on the blacklist in many countries, with viewers describing the experience of watching it as akin to “assault”.
Labelled by Entertainment Weekly as one of the most contentious films ever made, ‘Natural Born Killers’ has weathered a storm of criticisms since its 1994 release.
Originally conceived by Quentin Tarantino, the film underwent significant changes by producers, prompting Tarantino to renounce the final iteration entirely.
Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis star in the movie as an attractive pair of young serial killers whose transition into media idols is induced by their sensational coverage by the press.
Featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Wayne Gale, ‘Natural Born Killers’ depicts the grisly adventure of the murderous duo who leave a trail of chaos, claiming the lives of 52 victims, reports the Mirror US.
The film aimed to challenge views on the media’s depiction of crime figures, but many argue it inadvertently glamorised violence, leading to heated debates and polarising its audience.
A review on Rotten Tomatoes said: “Beautiful love story wrapped in brutal anarchy and a strong view of the media. Masterful performances by some of the finest actors of our time. The soundtrack is fantastic and fits the narrative to enhance the cinematic chaos. Is it for everyone? Probably not. NBK sends you on a roller coaster; it’s truly unforgettable.”
However, not everyone showers the film with praise, as one viewer described Natural Born Killers as “Loud, noisy, and overstimulating, it’s a visual and audible assault.”
Similarly, another viewer branded it “an assault on your senses!” yet admitted they “really like it.”
The controversial film Natural Born Killers faced bans in countries like Ireland and the Philippines, while its UK release was on hold due to investigations into allegations of inspiring ‘copycat’ murders. After a tumultuous year, the film finally premiered once the BBFC granted it an 18 certification due to intense bloody and sexual violence.
Though unconfirmed, several violent crimes, including the 1997 Heath High School shooting and Columbine High School massacre, have been linked to the film. Reportedly, the infamous Columbine assailants even dubbed their horrific act NBK—believed to stand for Natural Born Killers.
Another divisive review said: “Ah, Natural Born Killers, a film that so desperately wants to be profound. It’s a mildly unsettling romp, hailed by some as one of the greatest cinematic achievements ever.”
One critic scathingly remarked: “This so-called masterpiece is nothing more than America’s navel-gazing at its own fetishization of violence and criminal adoration, all neatly packaged by our beloved corporate media. Why bother with drugs when you can simply bask in the secondhand high of someone else’s trip? Truly, a cultural milestone.”
On the other hand, some fans of the film praised its unflinching portrayal of dark themes and graphic content. One fan raved: “I’m probably biased, but Natural Born Killers is my favorite movie of all time. brilliant gore and brutality, along with a twisted, dark love story.”
Another supporter argued that the film provides a thought-provoking commentary on the media’s glamorisation of violence, saying: “It shines light on the glorifying of violence in the media and is a great film overall. The characters are made to be likable, though they are twisted. The setting and set design are beautiful, capturing the beauty of New Mexico and the desert.”
For those interested in forming their own opinion, the 18-rated film is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime and Disney+.