There are a number of promising themes being explored here that feel entirely fresh for the horror genre, yet none of these nuggets of promise are paid off in fulfilling ways, making for a messy experience with glimmers of hope.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 20, 2023

Depp's Dean Corso seems at once generic and elusive, stumbling from set piece to set piece as The Ninth Gate's plot takes predictable twists and turns until it wanders into oblivion.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 16, 2022

The movie begins with Polanski’s usual mood of voluptuous menace, promising an elegant headgame for people who still read; the mood remains — Polanski’s craft is impeccable — but the story lets him down.

| Original Score: C- | Sep 2, 2022

Even with the presence of Johnny Depp can't save a dull and routine narrative that, in my opinion, burns like the blank pages of a book. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 5/10 | Jul 3, 2021

If you go in not expecting thrills or chills but an old-fashioned, carefully constructed puzzle, you may well find this surprisingly beguiling.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 16, 2021

Despite its irregularities as an adaptation and as a horror film, 'The Ninth Gate' is a very considerable proposal. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Aug 6, 2019

There are plenty of silly bumps and loopy twists that don't sufficiently fulfill a dynamic dramatic arc for the film's slightly long running time, but no jolting scares.

| Original Score: B+ | Mar 4, 2019

Who knew satanic enlightenment could be so sexy?

| Apr 26, 2017

Polanski revisits Satan with less than devilish fun.

| Sep 14, 2012

...it ultimately does go without saying that Polanski's fans will find more to embrace here than his detractors.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 10, 2011

Johnny Depp refuses to comment on Roman Polanski's supernatural thriller, and who can blame him?

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | Jan 8, 2010

Sorely underrated...wisely counter-cultural to Hollywood's idea of what a supernatural thriller should be. [Blu-ray]

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 17, 2009

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 7, 2008

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | Jul 14, 2007

Sometimes dry, sometimes wacky, but surprisingly compelling throughout.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | May 13, 2007

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 6, 2005

At least the action is moved by earthbound dementia rather than by the power of a divinity.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 29, 2004

The Ninth Gate est un nime film sous-valu qui mrite davantage d'attention et de reconnaissance.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Oct 7, 2004

The first hour of the picture is sublime.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 5, 2003

| Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 25, 2003