Seven - 2 Disc Set [DVD] [1995]

Against this backdrop we find the film's two protagonists, played by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman who both deliver fine performances. Pitt plays the young, idealistic and motivated Detective Mills, who is the perfect foil to the pragmatic and world weary Detective Lt William Somerset, played by Freeman.

Mills and Somerset are assigned to hunt down the sociopathic serial killer John Doe, whose murders are grisly sermons designed to warn a corrupt society of the consequences of the seven deadly sins (gluttony, greed, sloth, lust, pride, envy and wrath). Each of his murders becomes an ironic example of the dangers of each sin; his victims are punished for the deadly sin they embody by being forced to indulge in it until it kills them.

Unfortunately for Mills and Somerset, John Doe is as intelligent as he is disturbed, and they can do little but follow in his wake to pick up the pieces until he unexpectedly turns himself in...

Although some people might find the plot a bit too twisty, and the story a bit too morbid, all in all this is a fast paced and witty film, with superb acting from a great cast (also including Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin Spacey). This film will leave you guessing until the brain-bendingly clever finale.

As you've probably guessed by now, this isn't the kind of film to watch if you're in need of cheering up. In fact I would go so far as to say that this is one of the most depressing films I have seen for a long time. This film will take you to a dark and frightening place. Crucially though, it's not only dark but interesting and (in a way) enjoyable, highly recommended.

The film moves at a good pace, and twists and turns to great effect. The acting is also something to write home about. Morgan Freeman cannot be faulted as usual, Brad Pitt plays a good part and Kevin Spacey is chilling in his role as the killer.

Now to the two-CD special edition. The best parts of the two discs are the commentaries. Not only can you listen to David Fincher, Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, but you can also hear from the screen writer and others. Sometimes it leads to a bit of waffle, but the majority is interesting. The rest of the features are fillers in my opinion and don't lead to any greater insight into the film or its makers.

For this reason I'd probably go for the one disc edition if it's cheaper - especially if this already includes the commentaries (which are featured on Disc 1 of the Special Edition anyway).

So the long and the short of it is that the film is a total winner. Don't expect a cross between Driving Miss Daisy (Morgan Freeman) and Legends of the Fall (Brad Bitt) though - as one poor couple at the first screenings did, according to one of the commentaries. You'll be shocked and possibly scarred for life.