The Woodsman [DVD]

A very insightful film, though fictional then it sheds some light on how a sex offenders life is on the outside after they’ve committed the least socially acceptable criminal offence that there is; sexual assault of a child.I almost felt sorry for the character, played by Kevin Bacon, that was the paedophilic but I say almost, this is because in every other way he was ‘normal’ man who had hopes, dreams and ambitions just like the rest of the world’s society, yet his were most unlikely to ever be attained due to the nature of his crime.Unlike the real world then this sex offender finally got to understand the damage his actions had caused the said child, although the child was never in the film because this film was definitely made from the side of the offender and it was very well done.

I was really reluctant to buy this film, mostly because I didn't want to see Kevin Bacon playing the part of a pedophile- too weird!However, his performance is so well done, and he fits the character surprisingly well. The story itself is unique and bravely written (based on a play I believe), and the director has chosen not to shy away from an unpleasant subject matter, yet it is very tastefully and sensitively handled.Bacon's performance is subtle, well handled and believable. His character is surprisingly likable, and his performance raises some interesting questions about the way on which we view certain people in such a black and white way.There are a couple of slightly disturbing scenes which are integral to the film, yet some of them become almost heartwarming when you realise that that Bacon's character has made the right decision.Definitely an interesting watch with some brilliant performances, just be prepared to feel a little uneasy throughout.

I would say the sensitive subject matter was handled very well in this film. Many other people have gone deeper into the film better than I can but I wanted to say that I think this is one of Kevin Bacon's best acting roles, he is so very convincing in what couldn't of been an easy part.For me this wont be a watch again film but i'm glad I watched it, if only for Bacon's performance, he really is a superb actor. I agree with one of the previous reviewers saying that you end up feeling pity for his character, wanting something so taboo and knowing that it's wrong to want it but fighting with your inner demons!Worth a watch if only to see how films should be made, made a change from some of the no heart no feeling rubbish I've seen lately!

This flim, it had taken me 3 times to watch the whloe flimLet's just say when I was 12 somebody went to jail and I was placed in a care home,I still have panic attacks to this day so you can undersatand whell it was hard for me to watch but after watching this film I feel it was done well.Kevin bacon plays this roll down to a tea the 5 star his for his role in this,also I see somebody said about it not being true to life well I'm sorry but some people really do change their sports after years of going to workshops for victims of sexual abuse to build my confidance about how I was attacked and helping move on, I got the cance to confront my attcker at first I could not see him I won't brave,then uneasy then when I did come face to face I wanted him dead over time I found out he'd been a victim himself and had done lots of work helping others to stay strong not attck/out off jail a bit like going to aa meetings I could never speak to him again but I have forgiven him doing so helped me move on though I agree that I personally could not date somebody with this sort of past,it's a very hard subject but tastefully done thank you .

Kevin Bacon gives a good performance but this is a quiet movie ruined by moments where it tries to be overly-dramatic. There are really misjudged moments towards the end and a scene in which a child hugs a paedophile for not groping her. I'm sure when they wrote that scene they imagined it would be really epic but it comes off as fake

Kevin Bacon?Oh yeah.6 degrees of separation right?Think again my friends.Kevin stars as a paedophile recently released from jail.And it does not go the way you imagine!Great to see Kevin Bacon embrace his serious side!

How can one reconcile one's dislike of paedophilia with liking a man who once indulged in such activities, and may still do so? Kevin Bacon puts in such a good performance that this dilemma is what you end up with. The script is tight, the storyline hangs together realistically well, and the support acting is good - the adult romance lead was well-played by KB's wife, and a positive mention must also be made of the acting by the girl playing Robin, who unwittingly provides Bacon with some sort of revelation as she edges ever closer to disaster. It's another brave budget movie and we should be thankful there are people out there who decide to make and star in films that wouldn't otherwise see the light of day.

What's the opposite of gritty? Sanitized? This film may be about a child molester who has been released after twelve years in prison but it's so bland and lacklustre that I thought it must have been originally made for television. The man gets an apartment overlooking a school yard, gets a job and almost immediately gets seduced by a woman he works with. If you're looking for realism, give this one a miss.