Shackled ( Belenggu ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - United Kingdom ]

Shackled (aka Belenggu) is a quirky little number which I stumbled across whilst browsing Lovefilm for new rental ideas. Elang is an awkward loner who inhabits his narrow world of dreary apartment complex and seedy bar job with an air of quiet resignation. His dreams are haunted by a beautiful stranger and a psycho-killer-in-a-life-sized-bunny-suit with a penchant for sharp things. You could be forgiven for immediately thinking 'Donnie Darko' although I hasten to add Shackled more than punches its weight.The lines between dream and reality become blurred as it becomes apparent there is actually a killer on the loose, followed by the mysterious woman from his reveries enveigling herself into his life. What is uncertain is what she wants from Elang and, indeed, whether she is real or a figment of his imagination.From the blurb, parrallels have been drawn with David Lynch; whether this is a fair comparison is subjective however what I would say is that the dream sequences are fabulously realised and oozing with quiet menace. On a similar note, for those of a squeamish disposition, there isn't a great deal of on-screen gore; instead relying on implied violence (which can be more effective than the former).In short, Shackled is certainly worth a punt for those that like something out-of-ordinary.