Mother of Tears (2007) 5/10

I love Dario Argento. I especially love Susperia. He was the first Italian horror director i got into and through his films i gained an appreciation for giallos and have since looked deeper into the genre and had a ton of fun while doing it. Even though the guy hasn't done anything good in about two decades I still had high hopes for the conclusion of the three mothers trilogy started by Susperia. I heard it was terrible but wouldn't believe it. How could the master of Italian horror's film be bad? Very, that's how.

Mother of Tears is about an ancient coffin found in the graveyard of a small church. The coffin is sent to a museum where once opened it unlocks unspeakable evil. Now the archaeologist, played by Dario's daughter Asia Argento, is being hunted by a cult of supernatural worshippers that are after the secrets found within the coffin. At least I think that's what the film is about.

To say the film is a mess is an understatement. Personally I had a hard time following just what the hell was going on. Perhaps repeat viewings would help unlock the film's mysteries much like Susperia, but unlike Susperia, its not worth watching more then once. The film lacks almost all of the wonderful style that Argento is known for. I'm guessing he didn't want to make a film with a dated look and instead made his film like any other director would. The lack of style here is only trumped by the lack of acting ability. Every actor here does a terrible job. There is indeed gore, but after reading all the articles leading up to the films release, i was thinking we were going to have the second coming of Dead Alive. Nope. A few gross out scenes and that's about it. The story itself isn't easily understood nor is it easily enjoyed.

Mother Of Tears is strictly for hardcore Argento fans. If you haven't seen any of his work, start with Susperia, Opera, Deep Red, or The Bird With The Crystal Plumage.

Gore-medium

Nudity-mild

Overall - 5/10